A POPULAR Italian restaurant has received the green light to erect an alfresco dining area on a piece of protected grassland after the plan was backed by more than 400 loyal customers.

Rosso, in Woodford Green Broadway, was granted permission to install a large decking area on the green nextdoor after 422 loyal fans signed a petition supporting the scheme.

The plan, which passed by Regional Planning Committee West on July 8, only permits the eatery to erect the structure temporarily for an initial period of three years - but will allow it to cater for hundreds of extra customers until then.

The result has been welcomed by neighbouring traders, including Zack Freesy, of Broadway Barbers, who believes it will bring something new to the area.

He said: "There isn't anything else like this in The Broadway, so it is definitely a good thing.

"There isn't really anywhere else round here to eat outside so it will be good for customers."

These views were back by Danny Seagrove, of Charteris Road.

He said: "The restaurant is really popular with people around here, and I'm sure the alfresco area will be packed out when the weather's nice.

"I'm not surprised that they got so many people signing the petition because it's probably the most popular restaurant round here, so it is important they get more space for customers.

For more information visit the council's website at: redbridge.gov.uk