"Critical" Ryde Railway Pier strengthening and refurbishment works will now go ahead.

Following an approved listed building consent application, Network Rail Infrastructure Ltd will carry out works in Zones 1 - 3 of the structure which is part of the 19th century, Grade II listed Promenade Pier.

The company's project is a continuation of renovation work that has been approved and undertaken in Zone 4 and to some extent in Zone 3.

"The works will conserve and enhance the Ryde Railway Pier, ensuring that the historic structure will have improved resilience against adverse weather, be safer for both the public and railway staff and continue to provide a sustainable mode of transport to and from the Isle of Wight for many years to come," the organisation's Planning and Heritage Statement said.

"Importantly, the works will have a less than significant harm on the Grade II listed Railway Pier.

"Network Rail consider that the public benefits of the works will outweigh any harm that may be caused to the historic value of this structure.

"As a result, Network Rail consider that the works proposed within Zones 1 - 3 of the pier are in strong accordance with national and local planning policy."

In a report justifying the decision, the council said Network Rail's plan would not impact on the "historic fabric" of the pier as material that would be removed dates from the 1960s.

"Modern materials" that would be installed in the pier in the form of synthetic sleepers and a new GRP walkway were not seen as a concern.

The sleepers were described as "discreet" and "very similar" in appearance to natural timber.

A walkway is said to be a crucial part of the pier for preservation and evacuating it in an emergency.

The council has attached three conditions to its approval: that work is started within three years of consent being given, the project is carried out in line with submitted proposals and painting requirements are met.

In an official list entry for Ryde's Promenade Pier, public body Historic England said: "Begun in 1813, extended and altered through the 19th century, reaching a length of half a mile.

"Cast iron column and girder structure - planked promenade deck. Cast iron balustrade with scroll, oval and linked circle decorated panels of circa 1880.

"It was at Ryde Pier that the Empress Eugenie landed from Sir John Burgoyne's yacht 'The Gazelle' after her flight from Paris in 1870."