A planning application seeking permission to install six "sculptural fragments" with a combined worth of hundreds of thousands of pounds for public viewing at Biddulph Grange Gardens has now been approved.

Nub News reported previously how the plans asked for permission to install six casts of sculptural fragments at the entrance to the geological gallery at the gardens.

The gallery was created by James Bateman in the mid-19th century to display his geological collections and the gallery is still open to the public to this day, although the majority of Bateman's collection is no longer present.

Now that the application has been approved, six casts of sculptural fragments held by the National Trust can be added to the left-hand side of the entrance door to the gallery, as well as one terracotta roundel on the right-hand side wall to the entrance door.

The artifacts were originally placed in the walls by James Bateman to convince visitors of theories that incorporated new geological finds with the Christian story of creation. Five of these were carved during Greco-Roman era, one during the Renaissance period and the roundel may originate from an archaeological excavation in Mexico.

The fragments depict the head of Goliath, the head of Herakles, the head of a veiled female, a boar hunt, a lion eating a horse, and the lower part of a face, with some of them dating back to hundreds of years before the birth of Jesus Christ.

The fragments range in value from around £12,000 to up to £50,000, giving the six pieces a combined value of hundreds of thousands.

The plans were approved by planning officers at Staffordshire Moorlands District Council this week.

A report approving the plans said: "Due to the discussions which have taken place between the applicants and the Council's Consultant Conservation Officer, approval of the scheme will not result in any historical harm.

"There will be economic and heritage benefits by preservation of an historic gardens feature."