A consultation by the city council found an overwhelming majority of residents and businesses backed extending the current 10.30am-9pm limit for placing tables and chairs outdoors.

And councillors are now being recommended to approve new arrangements where businesses can apply for permits to place tables outside between 9am and 11pm.

Unlike the present situation, the new system will allow the public to have their say about every permit application, with an appeal procedure also put in place.

The council's community safety leader Councillor Paul Edie said:
"Allowing cafes and restaurants to place tables outside from 9am will promote a cosmopolitan ambience, with customers able to enjoy an al fresco breakfast on warm sunny days, while people will also be able to sit outside later in the evening if they choose to do so."

If councillors vote to approve the changes, the new arrangements will come into force in April next year.