Le Petit Blanc faces October deadline

Le Petit Blanc, Raymond Blanc's troubled new restaurant in Oxford, has until 2 October to answer council demands to curb noise and smells, and sort out planning problems.

The restaurant has had a turbulent few months since opening in June, with complaints from local residents about everything from kitchen smells and noise to parking and the early collection of rubbish.

Some of the work done to the building is in breach of the original planning application, according to Oxford City Council's planning committee.

The problems came to a head last week when, after hearing residents' objections, the committee issued the October deadline for a proper planning application for the work. It has threatened further action and, ultimately, closure, if the restaurant does not comply.

"We feel that the neighbours have been tolerant to date," said Stef Spencer, chairman of the planning committee.

Olivier Delaunoy, general manager of Le Petit Blanc, said: "We are doing our best to accommodate the residents. We will be ready by 2 October." He said ventilation work had been carried out and a later rubbish collection would begin next week.

1. Caterer's next visit to Le Petit Blanc, one of our adopted businesses, is on 10 October.