An update has been provided on the Council’s significant scheme to stabilise the ground conditions at Graig Ddu Tip in Dinas. Important progress has been made recently – including securing major funding from Welsh Government, appointing a design contractor, and undertaking initial investigatory work.
The former coal tip is located above Graigddu Road and has been considered for investment to improve the stability of the ground within the site, replace retaining walls and locally reinstate the highway alignment. In January, the Council secured a multi-year, £4.8 million funding commitment to develop and deliver a project that will significantly reduce the risk of a landslip – within a new Welsh Government grant covering the period 2026/27 to 2029/30.
The Council has recently appointed Alun Griffiths (Contractors) Ltd to design the future works scheme. In February, the contractor carried out some ground investigation works to inform the ongoing design process. Working with consultants Stantec, a detailed design will be brought forward by May 2026.
In the coming weeks, residents may notice further site activity, including vegetation and tree clearance works at sections of the tip, extra ground investigations, and the installation of some trial soil/rock anchors.
The Council will keep residents up-to-date with the progress being made at key milestones of the scheme. It is anticipated that the costs and delivery schedule for the construction phase will be finalised by early summer 2026.
Councillor Andrew Morgan OBE, Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council and Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Investment, said: “We have continued to welcome the support provided by Welsh Government to help us inspect, maintain and deliver targeted works schemes at coal tips across Rhondda Cynon Taf, to increase safety within our communities. We have a dedicated Coal Tips Safety Team within the Council, which is team of officers working hard every day to coordinate our efforts and investment in this area.
“In the current financial year ending in March 2026, the Council has benefitted from £11.4 million funding from the Coal Tips Safety Grant. Among the activities undertaken has been to inspect and maintain local coal tip sites, deliver a series of on-site drainage improvements schemes, develop schemes for the future, and to continue the major remediation scheme at Tylorstown. We’re anticipating a further significant allocation in 2026/27, to continue this work in partnership with Welsh Government over the 12 months ahead.
“It’s fantastic news that, as part of Welsh Government’s new Multi-Year Grant Scheme, the Council has been allocated £4.8 million for a major programme of works at Graig Ddu Tip in Dinas. I’m pleased with the recent good progress, as we’ve appointed a design contractor and started initial investigatory work on site. Residents may notice further activity on the ground over the weeks ahead, to inform a detailed design being brought forward by the summer.”
Posted on 26/02/2026