Protesters claim it would change the character of Carmarthen

Councillors have backed a scheme for the former cattle mart site that will see a department store, multiplex cinema and other new retail outlets.

Opponents argue it will spoil the rural character of the town and have an adverse impact on existing traders.

There was also anger over the need to partially close St Catherine Street as part of the scheme.

It will be in keeping with Carmarthen's unique character offering residents and visitors a diverse range of facilities Clive Howells

But the plan was backed by Carmarthenshire council's executive board and full council followed the recommendation to approve it.

It will now go before the council's planning committee.

As well as a Debenham's store, seven screen cinema, multi-storey car park and other new shops and restaurants the development involves building a new indoor market hall.

Council officials claim it will boost the number of people visiting the town by up to 30% once completed.

Plans for the mart site in Carmarthen have split opinion in the town

Executive board member Clive Howells said those opposed to the scheme had nothing to fear.

He said: "This development will take Carmarthen forward into the future, it will create jobs, provide much-needed leisure facilities and provide an even better shopping experience.

"It will also be in keeping with Carmarthen's unique character offering residents and visitors a diverse range of facilities."

But Carmarthen councillor Peter Hughes Griffiths said many people in the town were unhappy with the plans as they stood.

He and his colleague Jeffrey Thomas organised a meeting to gauge public opinion at St Peter's Civic Hall at the end of last month.

"Three hundred and thirty people attended and at the end of the meeting there was a vote which was unanimous in opposition to the closure of St Catherine Street," he said.

Clive Poulton says there has not been enough consultation

"Cars will have to find an alternative route and that will be through residential areas and housing estates.

Among those joining the protest was antiques dealer George Davies who believes the indoor market should remain as it is.

"The market is the main tourist attraction in Carmarthen but it won't even resemble a market when this development is finished.

"This is something special. There are very few left in Wales. Swansea has one but it is looked after."

Another protester, Clive Poulton, claimed councillors ignored local opinion by passing the development.