BUILDING a Circuit of Wales-type development will be "explored fully" if a new opportunity arises, Blaenau Gwent council has said.

The county borough council has submitted an application to renew outline planning permission for a motorsports facility at the site in Rassau, near Ebbw Vale.

The proposed £425 million racetrack was scrapped last October following concerns around the amount of public investment which would be required to get the scheme under way - despite the Welsh Government having already forked more than £9 million to the developer.

But the possibility of resurrecting such a project has not been ruled out.

After planning permission recently expired, the council has applied to renew permission so that "any future development opportunities, should they arise, can be explored fully," a spokesman for Blaenau Gwent council said.

The spokesman added: "The council continues to acknowledge that such a development could have many positive benefits to Blaenau Gwent and indeed the wider region, so extending the permission in order that the avenue for development remains open is considered the right thing to do.

"This new application will follow due process including consulting with key organisations and seeking the views of the general public, and will be determined by the planning committee in due course."

The scheme included plans for a racing circuit intended to host world championship events such as the Moto GP and superbikes championships. Two new hotels and a campsite intended for visitors, as well as a driver training centre, riding academy and karting circuit were also included in the plans for the Duke of Beaufort-owned site.

Earlier this summer, it was reported US-based developers Rocksteady Partners were in talks around resurrecting the project.

Questioned in the Senedd, economy and transport secretary Ken Skates confirmed the developer was in talks around the scheme, adding this "is not the only proposal that is being considered."

Mr Skates said it was ultimately determined the scheme "did not represent good value for money for Welsh taxpayers".