Planners have banned an Italian restaurant in Marlow from replacing the canopy covering its outdoor seating.

Mr Gianluca Paletta applied for permission to put up a new timber structure in front of Da Luca Restaurant at 5 Marlow Bottom.

The structure would replace the existing parasol, which is ‘showing signs of wear and tear’ and allow the eatery to accommodate customers during winter.

But Buckinghamshire Council planning officers disagreed, arguing the structure would have a ‘detrimental impact’ on Marlow Bottom.

The applicant claimed the structure had removable side panels and that its timber platform did not require foundations, so would not be a permanent addition to the restaurant.

However, planners said: “The fixed glazed canopy together, with fixed side panels where the top section can be lowered, gives the structure a solid presence and permanence.”

The restaurant previously got permission for a parasol with removable side curtains, although its other plans for an outdoor canopy to cover its customers were dismissed on appeal in 2021.

Despite the refusal of the restaurant’s latest plans, Da Luca, which opened in 2014, has many a happy customer in Marlow.

Writing in support of the application, one said: “Often we struggle to get a table inside as [its] so popular.”