The gasholder may not be everyone's idea of a national treasure but any student of architecture would see its merits

Cadw spokeswoman

There were fear that the development could be jeopardised by the grade two listed 150ft high gas holder which stands on the former British Gas site chosen by IKEA for its third biggest UK store.

But a spokesman for the Swedish company said his initial investigations showed the gasometer stood outside the site at Ferry Road.

The Welsh historic monuments body Cadw described the gasometer as an "architectural masterpiece".

Experts claim the 120-year-old building bears the hallmark of the 15th century architect Filippo Brunelleschi, designer of the domes of Florence.

IKEA plans its third biggest store in Cardiff

A spokesman for Cadw said they had not been officially approached about the Ikea development.

"Certainly we would expect to be brought in by Cardiff's planners if it was to be affected in any way by this development."

"We would look closely at the plans to see if it can be incorporated in any way."

"The gasholder may not be everyone's idea of a national treasure but any student of architecture would see its merits," said the spokeswoman.

The gasometer was first made a listed building nine years ago when it was feared British Gas would demolish it.

The company had said the structure was "useless" and that it needed �400,000 worth of repairs.

Ikea's announcement It is part of a scheme to build 20 new stores in the UK, creating 10,000 jobs in 10 years.

Plans for the development will go before Cardiff Council in six weeks time.

A spokesman for the council has confirmed the listed gasometer stands outside the proposed site for the store.