A popular restaurant has been given the green light to move its operation to nearby guest apartments despite opposition from some quarters.

Rustico's plans to move to the Brightside guest apartments on North Shore Road in Smith's were initially approved by the Development Applications Board back in February.

But an objector appealed to Michael Fahy, the Minister of Home Affairs, to block the project. Ruby Lightbourne-Lamb provided a series of reasons why she felt the project should not go ahead, including the claim that Rustico's plans could cause traffic problems in Flatts and that there was inadequate parking at the new location.

However, Sen Fahy has dismissed the appeal and allowed the change of venue to go ahead, saying: “I note the independent inspectors recommendations to dismiss the appeal and uphold the DAB's decision to grant planning permission, and I agree with those recommendations.”

Rustico general manager, Odilio Angel, told The Royal Gazette he was pleased that the right decision had been made.

“We are happy that we can now go ahead with this project,” he said.

“We are moving to a better location with better views and better parking. It is good for the restaurant community in Flatts because we are congested where we are at the moment.

“Everything is still on track — we have a lease that runs until the end of the year and we will be in the new premises by January 1.”

The proposed development will see the Brightside apartments change its use from tourism to commercial to accommodate a new restaurant that will cater for 70 diners. It will also include the reconstruction of the existing porch area and the construction of a new set of external steps.