Major update on future of prominent Lytham restaurant Spago amid planning dispute drama
‘For us, it is the best outcome we could have hoped for.’
A planning dispute which has threatened the future of a prominent Lytham restaurant is on its way to being resolved.
The owner of Spago warned that closure might have to be considered after the eatery in Dicconson Terrace was issued with a legal challenge to the planning permission granted for its outdoor canopy.
The approval for a scheme to amend the glazed balustrade and canopy at the front of the Grade II-listed building was granted by Fylde councillors earlier this year by a narrow majority.
It came despite the structure, on the building on Lytham’s conservation area, being deemed unlawful and the subject of a Planning Enforcement Notice.
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In giving the permission, it was felt that if restaurant owner Tony Vavoso would have to take the structure down it could seriously undermine one of the town’s most long-standing and much loved restaurants.
But pressure group Lytham Voice CIC then made the a legal challenge to the approval of the canopy, citing the importance of protecting Lytham town centre, its listed buildings, conservation area and other assets.
Mr Vavoso responded to that by saying: “If this situation continues, this could be our last summer at Spagó.”
A wave of public support for Spago followed on social media and now an apparent resolution - entailing the pausing of the judicial review - has been announced by the two parties.
In a joint statement, they said; “Spago and Lytham Voice have held positive and constructive discussions and a way forward has been identified.
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“This involves Spago retaining an attractive canopy redesigned to met heritage requirements for a Grade II listed building.
“The Judicial Review will be paused to allow time for the heritage compliant options to be properly considered.
“Both parties are aligned to a shared goal to ensure Spago remains a thriving attractive destination for residents and visitors in one of Lytham’s most important listed buildings.”
Mr Vavoso added: “We’re really pleased to share that this matter is now on the way to being resolved after working closely with Lytham Voice.
“The outcome means our outdoor area will continue to operate seamlessly and will look even better once completed.
“The approval of the canopy from FBC had always attached conditions when passed and this is exactly the same conditions I have agreed so there is no extra cost of reduced time frame for it.
“If at the end maybe we can improve on the current design that will make everyone happy. For us, it is the best outcome we could have hoped for considering the circumstances.
“Thank you to everyone for your continued support and patience - as always, we’ll keep you updated along the way.”