Haringey Council has denied forcing a popular street food business out of the borough, claiming the firm was in breach of regulations.

Council leader Cllr Joseph Ejiofor said Street Feast, which opened Hawker Union in Wood Green at the end of June, failed to meet statutory building regulations.

He said Street Feast submitted a building regulations application after works had already begun and added there were “a number of concerns” with the project that had not been addressed.

It comes after Jonathan Downey, founder of London Union – the company behind Street Feast – blamed the council for its departure in a series of tweets.

Mr Downey tweeted: “We have no idea why but there seems to have been a concerted effort by Haringey planning, EHO (environmental health officers) and building control to obstruct our opening.

“We ploughed on past this and opened anyway (using TENs [temporary event notices]) but it’s not worth the hassle and we can take our show elsewhere.”

He added: “We’ve had good support from the Haringey ReGen team but it wasn’t enough.

“In 21yrs of opening over 35 venues in five countries, I’ve never had to close a site like this. We spent £450,000 to create a lively and unique local community amenity. Borough residents deserve better.”

Street Feast, which was founded in 2012, takes over disused buildings and transforms them into eating and drinking venues.

It has outlets in Canada Water, Dalston, Lewisham, Woolwich and Canary Wharf.

Mr Downey thanked the “12,000+” people who had visited the Hawker Union venue in the 12 weeks since its opening.

Cllr Ejiofor said: “We have been clear and consistent about our expectations with Hawker Union throughout the planning, licensing and building regulations process.

“Street Feast’s management team have been provided with a clear list of steps to ensure compliance with the regulations but have failed to act on this advice.”

Cllr Ejiofor added that Haringey was “open for business” but that the council needed to make sure “our residents and visitors have the best time in a safe environment”.

He said: “We wish Hawker Union all the best for the future and we remain willing to work together to make this project a success.”