AFTER doubt was cast on the possibility of Prezzo opening in Penarth last month, the Italian chain has finally been given planning permission by the Vale council.

Due to a series of delays at the planning stage, Prezzo's hopes to open before Christmas are no longer a possibility with a mid-January opening seeming more likely according to site landlords.

Despite positive feedback from Penarth Town Council, Prezzo's plans were thrown into peril when their application for use of the old Spar shop on Windsor Road reached planning officers at the Vale council.

Doubts were cast on the plans when a Vale council planning officer stated that he was "mindful to refuse" the application, given the amount of restaurants already in the area, something that had previously been noted as a positive by Penarth town council at an earlier meeting.

Discussing the addition of Prezzo, which will be situated between the Bar 44 tapas restaurant and Costa Coffee, Councillor Phillip Rapier said he hoped the town centre would become a "Mecca for discerning diners and tourists".

Councillor Martin Turner added: "It's a positive in a seaside town if the town becomes an eating centre. It's always good for business and it is something we should encourage."

Now, despite hitting a snag, which "deeply disappointed" the site landlords, planning permission was granted at a meeting of the Vale of Glamorgan council planning committee last week .

The £750,000 Prezzo will create 15 full time jobs and five part time jobs in the town.

Plans are for a two floor restaurant with space for 120 covers.