An Ilkley wine bar boss was popping the bubbly today after councillors gave the go-ahead to his controversial plans to stay open into the early hours.

Tubby Wadlow's will now be able to stay open until 1.30am despite fears from residents and Ilkley Civic Society about late-night noise and disturbance.

Bradford Council's planning officers had recommended the application be refused but yesterday members of the Town and Country Planning (Keighley Area) sub-committee agreed permission should be granted for an extension to the opening hours on a one-year temporary basis. Three other restaurants in the area operate until 1.30am and Councillor Barry Thorne considered it unfair that Tubby Wadlow's was treated differently.

Following their decision a delighted Luther Jackson, co-licensee of Tubby Wadlow's on The Grove, said: "It's great news for us and our customers.

"Although we've got a pub licence we're a lot more food orientated than drink but in the past customers have been disappointed that on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights they've had to leave by 11.20pm and some people ringing to book a table for 9pm have been put off by that because they don't want to be rushed.

"But this extra couple of hours will make a big difference. This will do Ilkley a world of good and I think it will help bring more people into the town."

Following the one-year trial period a fresh application will have to be made to the Council if the wine bar wants to continue opening until 1.30am.

Mr Jackson said a switch to the new opening times would be made later in the year - possibly during the run-up to Christmas - adding that the premises would not necessarily be open until 1.30am every day.

The officers' report to yesterday's meeting said it was considered extending the closing time from 11.30pm was "'likely to lead to unacceptable late night disturbance for local residents" and pointed out that letters of objection had been received from Ilkley Civic Society, nearby Brown's restaurant and five local residents.

Helen Kidman, vice-chairman, of Ilkley Civic Society said members would be keeping an eye on the situation, adding: "We'll just have to wait and see how it goes."

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