THE removal of a 260-year-old road marker as part of a planning application to turn a former Powys garden centre into homes has been approved.

The removal of the milestone, located outside the former Greenacre Garden Centre in Howey, has been green-lit by planners.

Listed building consent was granted by Powys County Council (PCC) on December 19, 2023.

The survival of a complete series of mid-18th Century milestones on the A483 between Llandrindod Wells and Builth Wells is described as being of “considerable historic value” to Powys.

The Grade II Listed milestone was probably erected in 1759 and consists of a roughly hewn stock block inscribed in black painted letters ‘To ye WELLS’ and ‘To BUILTH 6M.’

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It was listed for its special historic interest as part of a series of well-preserved 18th Century milestones between Llandrindod and Builth.

Gary Bevan lodged plans for four houses, two garages and associated works in March last year, with plans approved by the local authority in August, after outline planning had been approved back in 2017.

A PCC built heritage officer said in November: “The proposal is to move the milestone from an approved entranceway.

“A methodology for excavating and lifting the stone has been submitted which is for hand tools only to be used near the stone itself.

“The stone will be cleaned and repainted. The proposal will not harm the heritage values of the marker and will slightly improve its visibility and condition in regards to repainting.”

The proposed development would relocate the milestone approximately 3 metres to the north-east of its current location and move it out of an access which has previously been approved in relation to the development.

A methodology for excavating and lifting the stone has been submitted within the heritage impact assessment, which specified that hand tools only are to be used near the stone itself.

The built heritage officer added: “The proposal will not harm the heritage values of the marker.

“It is considered that the relocation will slightly improve its visibility along the roadside and its condition with regards to cleaning and repainting.

“It is therefore considered that the proposed works would not result in detrimental harm to the listed milestone and the recommendation from the built heritage officer is one of approval.”

The Clwyd-Powys Archaeological Trust has been consulted on the application and advised that the removal of the stone should be completed with a qualified archaeologist present due to the potential for damage and the presence of as-yet unknown sub-surface archaeology.

County Times: The survival of a complete series of mid-18th Century milestones between Llandrindod and Builth Wells is described as being of “considerable historic value” to Powys. The survival of a complete series of mid-18th Century milestones between Llandrindod and Builth Wells is described as being of “considerable historic value” to Powys. (Image: Powys County Council)

One of the plots for the new site will be for a three-bedroom affordable home and two of the remaining three will have four bedrooms.

However, we reported in October that listed building consent for the relocation of the milestone would need to be granted before the development can move forward.

“One of the stones is dated 1759 and this may well relate to the whole series,” said a report submitted to planners in October.

“The inscription reading from the top ‘To Ye Wells’ and ‘to Builth 6M’ along the bottom has been partially obscured by the build-up of tarmac.”

Milestones, which originated in the era of the Roman empire, help travellers find their way across Britain. They have been a feature of the nation's highways and byways for 2,000 years, but it wasn’t until 1698, in the reign of William III, that parishes nationwide were required by law to place guideposts at crossroads.

“The survival of a complete series of mid-18th Century milestones between Llandrindod and Builth is of considerable historic value,” continued the report.

“Of both historic and cultural interest is the failure to mention Llandrindod as a destination. The wells were clearly far better known for themselves in the 18th Century, rather than their location near Llandrindod or Cefnllys.

“The milestone is of considerable historic interest in relation to the development of roads in the area and also to the development of the wells, 100 years before the railway opened the spa to greater numbers of visitors.”

Over the years the Grade II-listed stone has been lost to view within a hawthorn hedge. Pavement resurfacing has partially obscured the inscription and the black and white paint on the inscribed face has largely weathered away.

The area around the milestone will have to be excavated, to establish the base, and the stone will then have to be lifted out of the ground carefully so it is clear of earth and roots.

The report suggests: “Immediately transfer and secure to a pallet, forklift to a location well away from the working area and cover with a tarpaulin until relocating.

“On completion carefully clean off the inscribed face by hand and redecorate the lettering in black on a white background.”