WINCHESTER planners have today backed controversial plans for a new city restaurant.
A planning committee unanimously approved changing the use of Abbey Mill in Colebrook Street from office to restaurant.
It means River Cottage, run by celebrity chef Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, will take on a 15-year lease once the council completes structural improvements.
The controversial application was submitted by the council itself rather than the business, and was opposed by local residents and councillors over concerns about noise and traffic problems.
But the committee decided the benefit of tourism and finding a use for the building outweighed these concerns.
Abbey Mill is a former city council office but was used as a restaurant during World War Two.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel