A TRENDY bar and caf in one of York's most historic streets has lost its battle to stay open into the early hours.

Evil Eye Lounge, in Stonegate, had sought permission to remain open until 3am on Fridays and Saturdays, and 1am on all other days, and appealed against a City of York Council ruling.

But the council's decision has been upheld by The Planning Inspectorate, meaning the bar must close at 11pm every night.

Local councillor Brian Watson today welcomed the news.

He said: "I am very pleased - I'm over the moon. Late opening creates a lot of inconvenience to a lot of people who live in that area.

"People forget that people do live in the city centre and there are a lot of problems around there. I'm very pleased. It would have had a negative impact if they had been open as late as 3am and I'm glad The Planning Inspectorate has taken note of what we are saying."

A council licensing committee had earlier agreed Evil Eye could stay open until the small hours, but said it must abide by planning restrictions.

That meant the bar had to apply for planning permission, which was refused by a council planning and transport sub-committee, which deemed allowing the bar to open until 3am would cause nuisance for residents and alter the character of Stonegate, which is in a conservation area.

That view was upheld by the planning inspector Richard Morley. In his report, he wrote: "If late night/early morning drinking were to take place, it is likely that there would be an unacceptably high level of noise arising from the comings and goings of customers, possibly exacerbated by their congregating outside in Stonegate. There is no doubt that this would not only neither preserve nor enhance the character of this part of the conservation area, it would have a seriously detrimental impact."

Ian Loftus, landlord of Evil Eye Lounge, declined to comment.