The plan to strengthen Oxford's famous Magdalen Bridge has moved a step further.

The city council's planning committee has raised no objection to the proposal, which will now be referred to the Government Office for the South-East for a decision.

Subject to approval, the county council will work to strengthen the stone balustrades on each side of the bridge because the structure, designed by John Gwynn in 1773, is listed.

Steel anchors will be drilled into the balustrades to strengthen them and provide greater support for vehicles and any large crowds that gather on the bridge. Recent tests revealed it was significantly weaker than required by national standards.

The structural weakness has meant crowds were not allowed onto the bridge for May Morning celebrations over the past four years. But if work is completed in time for next year, the policy could change.

Members of the planning committee were told that the strengthening work should not be visible.