News

A RESTAURANT owner is calling in arbitrators to resolve a dispute about extending a burgeoning outdoor eating space in Winchester.

Bistro La Place and The Old Vine asked licensing chiefs in July for permission to install a seating area in The Square.

But their plans were scuppered when the City Museum and Winchester Cathedral objected to the plans, with the latter saying the seating would block views of the landmark.

It is understood representatives at Winchester's Business Improvement District wrote to both attractions seeking talks to iron out any problems.

But Andy Dyble, a business partner at Bistro La Place, decided on Tuesday (December 1) to take the issue to arbitration.

He said: "The Square is an ideal setting in Winchester to broaden the successful continental café culture in the City.

"Bistro La Place has been sponsoring this proposal and are ideally placed to provide this as an attraction for Winchester.

"The initial application was refused because the cathedral and cultural services both withheld consent, but we have an opportunity now for their concerns to be properly addressed.

"I have been determined to ensure that a table terrace would benefit all, and arbitration should now ensure a prompt conclusion representing all considerations."