An application to open a fast food restaurant in St Clears has been rejected by Carmarthenshire County Council’s planning committee.

Fast food giant McDonalds had proposed to open a 24 hour drive-thru north of the A40 roundabout.

It could have created over 80 jobs according to Draycott Developments and Investments, who were behind the scheme.

The controversial plans would also have seen a Costa Coffee outlet introduced and open until 10.30 pm.

A flood of objections from the public followed the announcement of the proposals last year, with ten times as many against the plan as in favour.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s planning committee originally considered the plan last July, when it was recommended for approval.

The committee instead deferred its decision for a site inspection, which took place ahead of their meeting this week.

Despite the continued recommendation for approval of the plan, the committee voted in favour or rejecting the plans.

Deferrals of the decision were called for by Clr. Sue Allen of Whitland and Clr. Philip Hughes of St Clears.

Clr. Allen felt that the economic and well-being impact assessment had not been quantified, while Clr. Hughes had requested the deferral for a re-assessment of the highway impact.