Powys is set to gain a major new tourism development after a Welsh Government-appointed planning Inspector approved plans for a Motocross Experience Centre at Rhydblawd Farm, Disserth, near Builth Wells.

The project, led by Nightfly Limited and Phil Wilding, will include a purpose-built motocross facility, seven holiday log cabins and a series of environmental and infrastructure improvements, including bridges, foul water systems, and highway upgrades. It is expected to bring around £1.5 million in capital investment, create up to 13 jobs and attract new visitors to the area.

The Inspector’s decision follows years of applications, refusals and appeals. The first planning application was submitted in April 2019 and refused in April 2021. A second planning application was submitted in February 2022 and was again refused in July 2023. A planning appeal was submitted in January 2024 with a Public Inquiry held in April 2025. Now, the Inspector has ruled in favour of the developers.

The ruling was also highly critical of the council’s handling of the case. A partial award of costs was made against Powys County Council, with the Inspector citing unreasonable behaviour, including flawed objections on noise and phosphate issues, late submission of key documents and a failure to properly interpret and engage with the existing Lawful Development Certificate.

In response to the ruling, a spokesperson for Powys County Council told the B&R: “The council is aware of the recent decision by Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW) to approve the planning application for a Motocross Experience Centre at Rhydblawd Farm, Builth Wells. The approval was granted contrary to the recommendation of council officers and in relation to a scheme that attracted several local objections.

“The council is currently reviewing its position in light of the decision and considering its available options and cannot comment further at this time.”

Mr Wilding said the decision was “a win not just for our business, but for Powys,” and accused the council of delaying the benefits of the scheme and adding unnecessary costs to the public purse.

“The development will bring jobs, investment, and new visitors to the area - while protecting and enhancing the local environment,” he said.

“The Inspector’s decision not only validates our vision for the site but also rightly recognises the unacceptable conduct of Powys County Council. We’re proud to have stood firm and look forward to delivering a development that will benefit the region for years to come.”

Motocross has been a feature at Rhydblawd Farm for more than 30 years. The farm was purchased by Nightfly Limited nearly 10 years ago with a vision to transform the site into the UK’s first and premier Motocross Experience Centre with a focus on electric bikes.

In the ruling, the Inspector gave significant weight to the scheme’s environmental credentials, which include:

• A new sustainable drainage system to manage surface water and reduce pollution risk

• New tree and hedge planting to enhance local biodiversity and landscape character

• Four new bridges designed to prevent runoff into the Dulas Brook, a tributary of the River Wye

• Installation of 15 dormice boxes, 20 bird boxes, 10 bat boxes, and a mammal ledge to support local wildlife

• A Habitat Management Plan to improve the condition of the adjacent Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and restored ancient woodland

• A Package Treatment Plant (PTP) with phosphorus reduction technology to ensure nutrient neutrality and protect the River Wye Special Area of Conservation (SAC)

• Conversion of 10,000 m² of agricultural land into managed greenspace, reducing phosphate runoff from grazing

The Inspector also noted that the motocross development aligns with national and local tourism strategies and will contribute positively to the visitor economy.

Richard Harris, Partner at DTM Legal LLP, acting on behalf of Nightfly Limited, said: “This decision is a clear vindication of our client’s commitment to deliver a development that will bring significant benefits to Powys and deliver a responsible development with community engagement.

“The Inspector’s findings highlight not only the merits of the proposal but also the unacceptable conduct of Powys County Council throughout the process. Public funds have been wasted defending indefensible positions, when collaboration could have delivered these benefits to Powys much sooner and at far less costs.”

Doug Hughes of Hughes Architects who has been working with Nightfly Limited since the first planning application said: "This decision is the result of over seven years of dedicated work to bring forward a development that balances tourism growth with environmental responsibility. We’ve worked tirelessly to ensure the scheme meets the highest planning standards, and it’s deeply rewarding to see that effort recognised. The Inspector’s decision confirms what we’ve known all along - that this is a well-designed, policy-compliant project that will benefit Powys for years to come."