Former model Caprice in dig at Notting Hill nimbys over restaurant's plans for terrace

Graham Rebak, who owns the Beach Blanket Babylon restaurants in Notting Hill and Shoreditch, wants to put 14 tables on a decked terrace to offer alfresco dining when his Uli bistro opens in Ladbroke Road, near Portobello market. Dozens of locals have written to Kensington & Chelsea council about the plan, which will replace a vacant shop. Opponents say the terrace will be “unsightly and inappropriate” and could force people onto the road. But Caprice Bourret has been joined by former Tory climate change minister Lord Barker and swimwear designer Melissa Odabash in backing the plan. The former model, 44, said: “The courtyard in question has for many years served no real purpose other than to allow drunks to congregate by night and cars to park by day. "Some of the opinions here seem to suggest that it’s some picturesque village in the Cotswolds. It’s a lively busy town centre in London so I just don’t understand why there is any opposition to the restaurant making use of what is, at the end of the day, their own land? "The plans are completely in keeping with next door and will drive tourism to the area, providing much-needed jobs."

The plans have been recommended for approval and councilors are set to rule on the scheme on Tuesday.