Plans to transform a derelict industrial land in Carmarthenshire into a 'jewel in the crown' waterfront development have been given the go-ahead by county planners.

The proposals, which involve 30 acres of land at Llanelli's North Dock, mark the next step of the area's regeneration.

These further developments will help to turn North Dock into the 'jewel in the crown' of the Millennium Coastal Park

Huw Thomas, WDA

The project will include houses, leisure facilities, restaurants, pubs, hotel and offices.

Nearly �4m has already been invested over the last two years to impound the old dock and clearing the surrounding area.

The regeneration will take place in three phases over the next five years and will include the restoration of the former engine house and masonry bridge, which are both listed.

Electricity cables for the area have already been placed underground and pylons have been removed.

A new Millennium Coastal Park Visitor Centre will be built subject to a �1.65m Objective One funding package from the European Union.

Huw John, Carmarthenshire council's executive member for regeneration, said: "We have an enormous opportunity to transform what was derelict industrial land into a superb waterfront facility that will surely be the envy of Wales."

How the visitor centre will look

The north dock will be the focus of attention at a developers day event next week.

The Welsh Development Agency (WDA) and county council are hosting almost 100 potential developers to explain the investment opportunities available at North Dock and along the Llanelli coast.

Huw Thomas, of the WDA, said "These further developments will help to turn North Dock into the 'jewel in the crown' of the Millennium Coastal Park."

The Millennium Coastal Park will be renamed the Royal Coastal Park when the Queen officially opens the site on 12 June during her three-day Golden Jubilee tour of Wales.