Blanc blocked from opening in Bath

Raymond Blanc, currently appearing in a new series of BBC reality TV show The Restaurant, has been refused permission to open in Bath and take on rival celebrity chef Jamie Oliver.

In July, it was revealed the next location for Blanc’s casual dining chain Brasserie Blanc would be the historic City of Bath, where Oliver is set to open a Jamie’s Italian in October.

However, the Bath Chronicle has now reported that the company, which has teamed up with property developer Cubex Land to transform the Friends Meeting House in York Street, has been blocked by the local council.

Bath and North East Somerset Council has refused to grant both planning permission and listed building consent for the proposed 140-seat restaurant over concerns it would damage the historic building.

Brasserie Blanc is set to appeal the decision.

For more on the chef and TV star see our Raymond Blanc landing page >>

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Blanc’s The Restaurant winners quit after seven months >>

By Chris Druce

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