An historic Llanfyllin building is set to become a Chinese takeaway after plans were approved last month.

Owners of the New Bakery on the Square in Llanfyllin successfully applied for a change of use to A3 (takeaway), which was approved by Powys County Council planners in September.

Work on the 18th century former inn is now underway, but required a full report from the council's built heritage officer due to its prominence.

"The proposal is for the change of use of a former bakers shop to a Take away. The building is prominently sited within the Llanfyllin conservation area on the corner of High Street and Narrow Street," said the report from planning officer Kate Bowen.

"The premises is within the commercial part of Llanfyllin with several shops in close proximity and some domestic properties with there being flats above the shops.

"It is noted that permission has been granted to change the use of the post office to fully residential."

The report added that the property was built sometime in the mid 18th century. Formerly The Lion Inn, it was converted to two shops by around 1850, the right hand shop becoming Llanfyllin' s Post Office in 1940.

Concerns were raised by members of the public relating to the disposal of waste, and the possible fire risk to nearby buildings.

"There are already a number of take-aways in the town and a more healthy use for the building as a retail shop of some sort would be preferable, one that made use of the town's car park and caused locals to spend more time using a variety of shops," read one objection.

"The conservation implications of the change to the ventilation system are unclear but often cause disturbance to residents."

However, county council planners ruled that as the site has previously been used as a bakery, it was not considered reasonable to require information about waste disposal for determination on the application.

"It is accepted that the development could increase the problem of litter both within Llanfyllin and within the local rural area but it is considered that this would not be to a significant degree such as to warrant the refusal of the application," they said.

The application was subsequently approved, to the delight of town mayor and Powys County Councillor for Llanfyllin Peter Lewis.

"It's great news for the town, and it'll complete the square when it opens," he said.

"It just goes to show, commercial property in Llanfyllin is in high demand. I'm very much looking forward to seeing it open."