BRADFORD Council’s planning enforcement services said its hands are often tied with legislative tape when it comes to dealing with illegal development.

But the team, which was brought together in 2008, is making inroads to get through a backlog of work.

Speaking at a meeting of the regeneration and economy overview and scrutiny committee, Mike Cowlam, strategic director of regeneration said they made every effort to resolve all complaints.

“The enforcement team of 6.5 officers continues to become more efficient and effective and the team’s aim is to reduce the backlog of outstanding enforcement claims.

“When the team took over in 2008 there were 4,000 outstanding cases and that is now down to 2,000,” he said, though admitted some cases had been ‘standing around’ for five years.

“In the year to December 31, 2015, we received 1,467 complaints for 1,155 different sites. Of the 1,155 cases received, 461 were closed within the same year and there had been 17 prosecutions brought to magistrates’ court.

He said there were several stages of enforcement. Some people accepted an enforcement and ceased what they were doing. Sometimes people ‘disappeared’.

“We have to track them down in the same way police do but without the resources.”

Councillor Steve Pullen said it was frustrating for councillors when people pointed out developments where were illegal but the council did nothing. He referred to a large house in his ward that had been built near a quarry.

“It is frustrating and doesn’t seem right,” he said.

Mr Cowlam said several points had to be weighed up.

“People can appeal against enforcement and if the building would normally have been granted planning permission then the appeal will be allowed. It would create a huge cost to the council and it has to be weighed up on balance.

He also stated that enforcement officers only acted on cases if they receive a complaint.

Councillor David Heseltine added: “When can we be more proactive. Tax payers down the line will be paying for this and it is basically people sticking their fingers up.”

He refereed to waste dumping on Baildon Moor but was told that a notice had already been served last Wednesday.