McDonald's has revealed when its new store in Ammanford is likely to open.

The restaurant is set to be built next to Tesco, featuring a 76-seat dining area, restrooms, parking facilities, drive-through and a play frame for children.

Full planning permission for the store was received in June, although slight changes to the roof layout were requested in August.

A spokesperson for McDonald's said: “The restaurant isn’t expected to open until late next year, but we’ll be sure to share any updates with you as soon as we have them.”

Last month, some Ammanford locals expressed how the McDonald's would benefit the younger generation in town by providing more work opportunities and being another place to have fun.

Meanwhile, others said the restaurant would improve convenience for residents who wouldn’t have to leave town to go to McDonald's.

Supporters of the project have also mentioned the potential footfall as positives of the development.

When the application was first submitted, Ammanford Town Council had concerns such as a loss of privacy for residents, traffic congestion, anti-social behaviour and noise and disturbance.

Following the initial proposal, there were over 316 unique public representations, with 206 responses objecting to the proposal and 99 responses supporting it.

Most public objections focused on the littering and environmental impact of a new McDonald's - the second largest mentioned traffic congestion and access issues.

When the application was first submitted, Ammanford Town Council had concerns such as a loss of privacy for residents, traffic congestion, anti-social behaviour and noise and disturbance.

The council also asked for adjustments including a closing time of midnight instead of 24-hour operation, daily litter patrols with more bins and regular emptying, installation of a 2.5m high solid fence and car registration numbers on packaging for litter control.

Councillors Harries and Evans echoed the councils concerns while also mentioning the conflict with local development plan policies and the removal of free parking spaces creating a more crowded area.

Former MP Jonathan Edwards also objected to the proposal, citing the negative impact on smaller businesses, the impact on child obesity, air quality due to increased traffic congestion and lack of support from the community.

However, there were no objections from Head of Transport & Highways, Network Rail, Head of Public Protection, Natural Resources Wales or Welsh Water.

Still, a letter from Chris Flattery at Public Health Services on August 29 reiterated the need for the development to comply with all Environmental Health Legislation.