Zip World's plans for a site in south Wales valleys have been approved.
Work to build the park at the site of the former Tower Colliery is now likely to start in January.
The north Wales tourism giant, which has 11 adventures spread over three Snowdonia sites, has been looking at setting up a site in South Wales for more than three years, cites a cash injection from Lloyds as the ignition into moving the plans forward.
Rhondda Cynon Taf council leader Andrew Morgan said: "Pleased to hear that the RCT Planning Committee have this evening approved the plans for Zip World on the Rhigos Mountain.
"Not a signal public or statutory objection to the application. Look forward to this being constructed and opening in 2020."
Sean Taylor, founder and President of Zip World said: “As a business we’re always looking to push the boundaries. We want to do for Welsh coal communities in South Wales what we’ve done for Welsh Slate in North Wales and create adventures that bring great tourism opportunities to the local area.
"I’m personally excited to work with the local communities and creating a lasting legacy and even having some fun along the way.
The news has been widely welcomed. Local business expert Dylan Jones-Evans said: "Brilliant news. Zip World has been incredible in regenerating the slate valleys of North Wales. I am sure it will do the same in South Wales."
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This will be the first site for the business outside of north Wales, following on from the success of its first superfast zip line at Penrhyn Quarry in Bethesda in 2013.
How the site could look
The plans, published by Conwy-based Cadnant Planning, include three zip wire courses, the creation of internal access roads and pedestrian routes, cabins and use of land for car parking.
The site is south of the villages of Rhigos and Hirwaun, covering an area of land on the Rhigos Mountain, located around 0.5km and 1km to the west of the A4061 highway, between Blaenrhondda and Hirwaun.
The ziplines, which will will use the same technology and structures as Zip World’s existing Velocity attraction, will be split into three separate zip wire courses, referred to as Zip A, Zip B and Zip C.
Zip B will be the longest section of the zip wire course, covering 932m from start to finish, starting from above and then sailing over Llyn Fawr.
Zip World has grown rapidly since launching its first superfast zip line at Penrhyn Quarry in Bethesda in 2013.
Over the past five years the company has contributed £251m to the north Wales economy, according a 2018 report from North Wales Tourism, and created 450 permanent jobs, with 93% of the staff living locally.
According to Rhondda Cynon Taf council's planning document, it is estimated that the proposed Rhigos development will provide employment opportunities for eight full time staff and 50 part time staff when fully operational.