A LARGE-SCALE development in St Clears, which would see a discount-style retail store, a new GP surgery, a nursing home and a car park, is expected to be approved tomorrow.

The meeting of Carmarthenshire Council planning committee is expected to approve an outline application for a mixed use redevelopment including employment, community, retail and specialist residential uses on land at Station Road, submitted by agents GVA Grimley, on behalf of OJ Williams.

If the application is granted the developer must enter into a Section 106 planning agreement to provide £35,000 towards a pedestrian crossing facility and raised plateau on Station Road and £5,000 towards the upgrading of the existing zebra crossing on Pentre Road.

While the applicants stress there is a deal of flexibility in the plans, some parts of the scheme are "fixed".

The plan includes a discount-style retail store with up to 70 parking spaces, a new and expanded GP surgery, a nursing home and residential care units with up to 100 beds, as well as parking for up to 35 cars.

As many as 50 jobs could be created by the retail store alone.

St Clears councillors have previously objected to the application.

Following the advice of a planning consultant brought in by the council's planning committee, it was agreed that a letter of objection be sent to the county council last summer.

While redevelopment of the site was welcomed, the council felt the proposed surgery was not large enough for the town's growing population, especially in light of applications for further housing developments.

It was also felt that there would not be enough car parking spaces.

Concerns were also expressed about whether an additional food store was required, and whether the proposed parking facilities would be sufficient.

It was also felt that the town was adequately supported by existing food stores and specialist shops.

Concerns were also expressed that part of the brownfield site might be contaminated from landfill.

Dwr Cymru/Welsh Water expressed concerns that the proposed development would overload the existing public sewerage system. However, improvements are planned for completion by April.