CELEBRITY chef Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s business has been explaining its lack of engagement with local people over controversial plans for a new restaurant in Winchester.

River Cottage Canteen & Deli plans to open at Abbey Mill in Colebrook Street later this year.

In a statement from Rob Greacen, managing director, it said: “River Cottage is very keen to open its next Canteen in Abbey Mill and has been working with Winchester City Council (the landlords) to finalise a lease for the property. However despite our best efforts the contract is not yet ready for signature, albeit we believe that it will be soon.

“We would like to engage with the local community and discuss our project, the philosophy behind the Canteen business and explain how we will be working with local suppliers. Regretfully however, it is difficult for us to do anything until we have a documented agreement with the council.”

Mr Greacen added: “We can see that the redevelopment of Abbey Mill is a complex project and we’re sure that the council are doing a valuable job bringing new life to a distinctive and historic building. We will do what we can to help them in the process and hope to reach agreement shortly so that we can get on with our part of the job and talking to our neighbours.”

Last year the Chronicle revealed the council was negotiating a lease with River Cottage for the mill, subject to gaining planning and licensing approvals.

A city council spokesman said: “From the city council’s perspective, the project is progressing as expected. As the statement says, we hope to reach agreement shortly and that will allow River Cottage to talk to the local community about their plans.”