PLANNING chiefs were split down the middle over a retrospective application for an outdoor kitchen. Josh Mathias has installed a pergola and pizza oven in his Walcote Place courtyard, just off the High Street. He claimed he did not realise it required planning permission. But his neighbours complained to the council and Mr Mathias was forced to submit an application. This was refused following lengthy debate at a city council planning committee on April 22. Chairman Therese Evans used her casting vote to break the deadlock, as four councillors (Russell Gordon-Smith, David McLean, Laurence Ruffell, Jane Rutter) voted to grant permission, and four voted against (Angela Clear, Therese Evans, Brian Laming and Mike Read).