Paddleboards, kayaks and deckchairs will soon be available to hire on Ryde seafront, after the town council had plans approved.
Permission for Ryde Town Council to install a storage container next to the harbourmaster's office has been granted, despite some objection.
Named 'Ryde Leisure', the business will operate April and October each year for a maximum of five years.
It will house equipment such as kayaks and paddleboards, which can be used on a stretch of beach from the Harbour to Appley Tower.
Concerns had been raised over impact on Ryde Conservation Area, and the fact the container would be visible for adjacent properties.
However, a statement of justification said it "would not appear visually intrusive" and would be "significantly better" in appearance than the adjoining harbourmaster's office.
The statement reads:
"Overall, the modest scale of the proposal would have a negligible impact on the character of the wider conservation area, especially noting the intension of it only to be temporary.
"It is also noted that the building would provide a facility of storage, to allow commercialisation and improved facilities for visitors to the beach, which would assist with the tourism asset that it represents.
"The structure could be visible from adjacent properties along the Seafront, as mentioned in the objection, however, this would not result in any loss of amenity upon neighbouring dwellings, due to the vast separation distance between the development and nearby properties."
As the harbour has "substantial defences", the site would not be prone to flooding, according to the council.
'Ryde Leisure' will be used temporarily until a more permanent solution can be agreed.
Reacting to the granting of approval, RTC said:
"With 250+ deckchairs and sunloungers, windbreaks, parasols as well as paddleboards and kayaks available to hire, the scene is set for fun on Ryde’s magnificent beach this summer.
"This is a great step forward for Ryde and is a crucial stage in making Ryde the Island’s go-to destination this summer."
As Isle of Wight Radio previously reported, Ryde Town Council has been named as a 'special purchaser' of Ryde Harbour.
It means the town council has been given the first option to buy the harbour from the Isle of Wight Council.
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