The academy is seen as critical for the game's future

The union wants to develop a National Rugby Academy near Bridgend to develop grassroots talent as Wales moves in to a brave new era.

The plan for the Island Park, Merthyr Mawr, site had attracted vocal local opposition because it includes a housing scheme and business park.

But Bridgend County Borough councillors approved the proposal on Thursday afternoon, moving the development one step closer.

Grassroots

The centre would be critical in developing domestic grassroots talent - in two seasons' time, only two foreigners will be allowed in each new-look squad.

It would sit in the new province of the merged Bridgend/Pontypridd side.

David Moffett needs the academy to develop grassroots rugby

But the academy must be financed by the sale of a neighbouring 210-home estate, hotel and business park.

Protesters claimed council tax payers would have to pay for road improvements, and the local comprehensive school said it was already oversubscribed.

Environmentalists also complained it would kill off the local dormouse population.

Opposition

With that opposition - including cross-party political complaints - the council's planning committee rejected the scheme in December.

Given the state of the WRU, we've got something there is no guarantee they are going to be able to run Councillor David Anderson

But the plan was submitted, unchanged, in January and the committee - later expanded to comprise all council members - approved it on Thursday by 30 votes to 18.

It must now be sent to the Welsh Assembly Government for further consideration because it does not comply with existing local planning rules.

Campaigners said they were disappointed by the decision.

Complaint

Conservative councillor David Anderson said: "Given the state of the WRU, if they did manage to complete that facility, we've got something there is no guarantee they are going to be able to run.

"Instead of an asset to the borough, it could be a major cost to all the rate-payers, having a facility which is not viable.

"It is a thinly disguised scheme to justify houses where they are not wanted."

But Bridgend council leader and keen rugby fan Jeff Jones - who has faced criticism over the planning committee change - said the true will of the council had been shown.