A RESTAURANT has hit out at Winchester Cathedral after losing its bid to extend a popular outdoor eating area.

Bistro La Place is angry the attraction's objections helped scupper plans to increase the amount of chairs and tables in The Square.

An arbitrator threw out the scheme after objections from City Museum and the cathedral, with the latter claiming it would block views of the attraction and cause congestion.

But the restaurant's co-owner, Gael Pes, has vowed to fight the decision and plans to start a petition.

“We're very angry with the cathedral,” he said. “At one point in the arbitration there was a chance to come to an agreement but they rejected it.

“We would hope it will be a matter of time, we're here for the long haul,” he added. “Things have got to evolve, we can't live in the past forever.”

Seb Brancy, his business partner, said: “We're amazed to see it is now dead space in the middle of one of the best parts of Winchester. It is surprising to see the power of the cathedral over the council, which supposedly owns the land on The Square.”

Cllr Brian Collin, portfolio holder for Winchester, said if the authority decided to push ahead with refurbishing The Square then more seating would feature.

“It's a little bit sad that the applicant has been caught between two stools,” he said. “But generally speaking we're in favour of the café culture that's developing in The Square.”

He also hinted at a possible change of focus in the area and a move to make it more of a shared space between cars and pedestrians.

“My instincts are users in that area have to take account of each other,” added Cllr Collin. “If that means at some point cars having to go very slowly past some chairs and tables, then so be it.”

Keith Wilson, of Winchester's Business Improvement District, said: “It's definitely a backward step for Winchester, The Square is a wonderful area. The atmosphere and feel of the place is wonderful and I feel it should have been extended.

“I'm not sure what more can be done but we'll take a look at it and we'll be speaking to the people concerned.”

Annabelle Boyes, receiver general at Winchester Cathedral, said: “We wholeheartedly support the development of the city centre as a place where we can welcome both locals and visitors.

“However the cathedral's concerns about the positioning of chairs and tables in the proposed location outside the museum and the entrance to the cathedral grounds have been well-rehearsed and remain valid.

“We therefore welcome the recent decision of the official arbitrator.”