An Ilkley restaurant has announced plans to leave the town after a dispute over its outdoor seating area.
Forde Restaurants said it intends to activate a break clause in its lease and leave its premises late next year, claiming the property is no longer viable for the business.
The restaurant said use of an atrium alongside its premises as a seating area had been an important part of its business plan when it took on the lease.
However, Forde said the cobbled floor made the space difficult to use safely for some customers, including wheelchair users, people with walking frames and families with young children.
The business said it approached the landlord's agent for permission to install a solid platform, including ramped access, alongside planters and its own lighting.
Forde claims it was told the work "wouldn't be a problem" and subsequently began making the changes.
However, the restaurant said Bradford Council and its managing agents have since received a complaint and have now instructed it to remove the seating area.
Forde said it had been told it could continue placing tables and chairs directly on the cobbled floor, but does not believe this provides a suitable dining environment for its customers.
In a statement, the restaurant said:
“This seating area was an important part of our business plan before signing the lease and it is essential not just to survive, but try and thrive in this difficult industry!
“So - that said - we will soon be activating the break clause in our lease and we will, sadly, be leaving our lovely little corner of Ilkley.
“This won’t see us leaving until late next year, but with the state of hospitality right now and Bradford council now making it even harder, we just can’t make this particular property work long term whilst Bradford Council are the Landlord.”
The restaurant stressed that it will remain open in Ilkley until late next year and said it wanted to give customers plenty of notice, particularly those who have purchased vouchers.
It added:
“We appreciate all of you and look forward to welcoming all our customers, old and new, between now and us leaving this building.”
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