A church which has been dubbed the "Pisa of the Fens" is set to lose its leaning spire.
Fenland Council has agreed the structure can be removed from St Mark’s Church in Friday Bridge, between Wisbech and Outwell, because of "serious structural issues".
The spire, which has developed a lean over the years as the ground beneath it moved, will be capped off with lead until funds become available to rebuild it.
A council conservation officer said: "There is no getting around the fact that the proposed work will ultimately result in the detraction of the significance of the building as the principal and dominant structure within its generally open and rural setting.
"Whilst I have considerable concerns and sadness about the impacts and the loss of this important landmark feature, the spire is ultimately structurally unsound."
Historic England placed the Victorian church on its Heritage at Risk register last year, warning that the deteriorating spire which was made from thin brickwork was causing leaks and drainage problems.
A planning statement said: "It is often referred to locally as our Pisa in the Fens, given the noticeable inclination of the tower with its spire."
While there is no suggestion the spire is in imminent danger of collapse, it added the work "will inevitably reduce the prominence of the church in the landscape albeit possibly temporarily".
The Victorian Society supported the work but said losing the spire would harm the 160-year-old building’s historical significance.
Connor McNeill, senior conservation advisor with the society, said: "It is essential if reducing the spire is approved that proposals for reconstruction are brought forward in a timely manner.
"A full record of the tower should also be made to enable proper reconstruction in the future."
It is not yet known how much it might cost to replace the spire.
Permission to take it down was granted on condition the work begins within three years.
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