Tubby Wadlows, The Grove, will now be allowed 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 that the application be refused but 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 the decision a delighted Luther Jackson, co-licensee of Tubby Wadlow's, 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 because they did not 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 bring more people into the town."

After the 12-month 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 probably be made later in the year - possibly in the run up to Christmas - adding that the premises would not be open until 1.30am every day.

The officers' report to the meeting said it was considered extending the closing time from 11.30pm was 'likely to lead to unacceptable late night disturbance for local residents'.

The report also pointed out that letters of objection to the extended opening hours had been sent by 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.

"We will just have to wait and see how it goes," said Mrs Kidman.

The planners received a petition of support for the application containing 71 signatures.

But the officers' report said the petition should not be given undue weight because the people who signed it did not live close to the wine bar.

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