Plans to convert one of Llanidloes’ most prominent buildings into a bar and restaurant have been approved.

The ground floor shop area and back room of Plynlimon House, in Long Bridge Street, can be converted into a bar and restaurant after planning consent was granted by Powys County Council.

The building has been vacant for more than a year after a clothing boutique closed in early 2020.

Planning officer Rhian Griffiths concluded that changing the use of the building "will help contribute to the vitality and viability of the existing town centre".

It was once the Edward Hamer butcher shop which became by royal appointment a purveyor of meat to the Prince of Wales, Queen Victoria and subsequent members of the Royal Family. Original shop features such as the tiles in the shop front, meat rails, and an ornate cash room will be kept.

The planning application said that the restaurant would be open from 8am to midnight from Monday to Sunday, as well as on bank holidays.

The business would also create up to five new jobs which include three full-time and two part-time roles.

The building, which was built in 1894 as a butcher’s shop and meat mail order business, was given listed status in 1989 for its “exceptional shop frontage” and is described as an “important structure” in Llanidloes.

A distinctive feature of the building is the royal crest which is believed to have been added following the coronation of Edward VII, who placed an order from the shop at Christmas 1884.

Ms Griffiths added: "The Officer noted that the change of use is supported as it would expose more of the original features than modern shop fittings and would enable elements of the building to be viewed such as the carriageway from the street.

"The proposed change of use is not considered to offer any harm to the listed building, or the conservation area in Llanidloes."