A 277-year-old lychgate that was damaged by a lorry in 2017 could be rebuilt in a new location if plans are given the green light by Powys County Council planners.

Plans to rebuild and relocate an existing lychgate to St Curig’s Church in Llangurig have been submitted to Powys County Council planning officers by the Church in Wales.

Proposals include rebuilding the lychgate in line with an existing church boundary wall to avoid further damage from parked vehicles.

A heritage impact report reads: “The community significance of the lychgate should not be overlooked.

“For the people of Llangurig the lychgate is inseparable from a church which has had community significance over many generations."

The Grade II lychgate, which pre-dates the restoration of the church, was dismantled almost three years ago after it was damaged by the impact of a heavy goods vehicle.

Photographs taken after the crash showed rubble on the floor and the west-facing wall and gate posts badly damaged. A fortnight later, the original masonry, timber framing and roof tiles and slates were taken down and stored “as found” for rebuild.

The 18th century lychgate had been damaged on several occasions by vehicles parking in a lay-by owned by the village pub, the report read.

The planning application says all parties involved agree that the lychgate should be “rebuilt with its outer face aligned with the roadside face of the churchyard masonry wall, so not to project into the lay-by."

The applicant says the owner of the Blue Bell pub has been consulted about relocating the lychgate and supports the proposals.

A heritage report states that the lychgate should be built to its original size with the same methods of construction.

Powys County Council planning officers are expected to announce their decision on the matter at the end of May.