Doubts have been cast over whether a proposed Burger King outlet will be coming to Welshpool.

An amendment to the planning application for the development of a drive thru unit at Moors Farm, Rhallt Lane just to the west of A483 in Buttington, has revealed that the unit earmarked for Burger King has been removed from the plans and replaced with two smaller units.

The fast food restaurant looked set to join the project as part of plans for a 40-bedroom hotel, drive-through Starbucks coffee shop that were approved in 2023, with Burger King replacing Greggs on the plans after the bakery giant withdrew.

However, an amendment to the planning application submitted by TDH Estates in May has revealed that changes are being made to the project, including the replacement of the drive thru unit with drive to units and removal of the drive thru lane.

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It added that the prospective tenant for the drive thru unit pulled out of the project as they would want a larger unit and did not want to compete with the McDonald’s opposite the site.

The amendment states: “In summary, what is now sought is permission for two smaller drive to units to replace the approved drive thru unit.

“I can confirm that the drive thru connected with Lime Kiln Cottage (unit 2) has been let to Starbucks which will provide a bespoke, attractive building which is to incorporate a ‘visitor’ style entrance foyer to add to the offer.

“Originally the front unit (unit 1) was to be let to Greggs but over the four-year period they have decided they no longer want a unit with a drive thru facility and we have looked for another occupier to take the unit as permitted.

“We have had discussions over an 18-month period with a number of prospective tenants and at one point had terms agreed with a new tenant to take the unit. Very annoyingly they pulled out just as the Agreement for Lease was ready for signature. The only other interest we have had over this period was from a prospective tenant.

“However, they concluded that they would want a larger unit than we can provide on the restaurant part of the scheme and not intrude on to the hotel element and ultimately decided they could not compete with the McDonalds located opposite our site.

“Extensive marketing of the drive thru unit has been undertaken including all the operators in this market but no other tenant has come forward wanting a drive thru as approved.”

Burger King has been approached for comment.