Oliver backs down in planning row
19 September 2002 by Christina Golding
Jamie Oliver has backed down over claims that Hackney Council was delaying the opening of his new east London restaurant.
The chef, who had claimed that he could lose his house in a row over plans for the restaurant, Fifteen, said today that the council had been "very supportive and helpful" with regards to planning permission for the restaurant.
Oliver had previously claimed that the restaurant might not be able to open because of objections to the installation of an extractor fan.
The restaurant, in which Oliver plans to train disadvantaged youngsters to work in catering, was due to open this month.
Oliver is now hopeful it will open in November.
