An Italian restaurant that "struggled" to meet demand in its current premises has been given permission for outside seating and a canopy.

Di Napoli Restaurant in Victoria Road, Romford, had is application to build an outdoor dining area and canopy at the front of the building approved by Havering Council on June 7.

The proposal was received by the council on March 13.

Hornchurch-based agent R&R Planning has supported the application, made by Mr Afrim Arizi.

In a design and access statement, it said: "They are struggling to meet demand given the current size and seat covers of the restaurant.

"The proposal will see the current planters being raised to 1,100mm for privacy and a steel frame being erected above to include a retractable canopy to protect guests from the elements."

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The site area is 73sq m, planning documents show, and the proposal will affect just the ground floor restaurant at the Victoria Road premises, which is in St Albans ward.

R&R Planning also argued the plans will have a "minimal impact" on businesses nearby.

"[We] envision its main use will be in the evenings and after their daytime trading hours have finished."

Di Napoli is primarily open from 4pm until 11pm from Monday to Friday.

On Sundays and bank holidays, the restaurant is typically open from 12pm until 11pm.

In conditions, the council says Di Napoli's outdoor dining area should only be used between 12pm and 9pm from Monday to Sunday.

According to planning documents, the restaurant has three full-time staff.

Havering Council said the development must take place no more than three years after the date that planning permission was granted.

The application states that work is due to start this month and finish in July.