Work to repair one of the only buildings left of its kind in Wales will be delayed again because Powys County Council has decided to apply for special permission to make changes to the Grade I-listed building.

Long-awaited work to strengthen the iconic Old Market Hall in Llanidloes started earlier this year but was postponed after more issues were found at the historic site.

Further structural repairs, which will include the use of new technology to strengthen the stability of the building, were due to take place during the summer months.

However Powys County Council, which has been overseeing the repair work, said "given the high-level interest" surrounding the Old Market Hall, the listed building consent application will allow people to have a chance to have their say before works take place.

Security fencing, dubbed "ugly and unsafe" by local councillors, around the town centre building will remain in place, the county council added.

County Times:

Cllr Jake Berriman, cabinet member for a connected Powys, said: “We have found a way forward to address the structural repairs that are needed within the Old Market Hall. Some of these are like-for-like repairs and other repairs involve new technology that will strengthen the stability of the building.

“The repairs were internal repairs which would not have disrupted road users and were due to take place during the summer months.

“However, given the high level of interest in the Grade I listed building, we will be submitting an application for Listed Building Consent. This will ensure that all interested parties have a chance to comment on the proposed works.

“Listed Building Consent applications require the detail on the proposed works but also the history of the building and the historic / listed items within the building.

“We will ensure that this application has all the information that is required as requests for additional information will only delay the process.

“Once we have obtained Listed Building Consent, we will progress with the repair works to ensure that this iconic building is protected for future generations.

“In the meantime, the Old Market Hall is still a construction site so the security fencing will remain in place for the safety of the building, our contractors and the public.”