Residents in Burley-in-Wharfedale are celebrating after a Government inspector agreed to uphold a decision to stop a pub turning its 'garish' lights back on.

The long-running saga of The Generous Pioneer has reached a new stage with the decision, which means the blue strip lighting which so annoyed some residents will not return.

The pub, owned by Tom Cobleigh Ltd, turned the lights off last year after Bradford Council planners refused it retrospective planning permission.

But it then angered locals by appealing to try and overturn that decision.

Burley Community Council chairman Bruce Speed hailed the appeal decision as a "victory for commonsense".

He said: "It seems like the sensible conclusion from our point of view and I'm sure it will please the people who live near the pub. We have nothing against the company or the management but we just feel that the lighting wasn't appropriate.

"The impression I get is that they aim to co-operate in the village so we'd be surprised if they wanted to do anything more in terms of lighting.

"I know they have a corporate image and have to advertise the fact they are there but you have to compromise over these things, especially with the pub being near a by-pass and roundabout where the lights could distract drivers.

"It is also on the edge of a conservation area where blue strip lights just aren't appropriate. But I think they have got the message now."

A campaign group had been formed by Burley-in-Wharfedale resident, Matt Palmer.

And he was naturally delighted with this week's findings.

He said: "The planning directorate have denied the appeal and called the lights garish and completely inappropriate.

"The lights are down forever and this is a major success for in the community and great news for everyone whose houses are affected by the lights."

And Mr Palmer is confident that now this decisions has been reached to permanently remove strip lighting from the Generous Pioneer, another outstanding appeal for tower and weathervane lights at the pub will also be rejected.

"I can't see them allowing the outstanding appeal for lights on the tower now," he added. "All the lights in the original application are affected by this decision so it should be the same for the other appeal as well."

The lights, which were nicknamed the Burley Illuminations have been a bone of contention with local residents for many months.

"It really is a big success and has set the seal for future appeals," added Mr Palmer.

"They (Tom Cobleigh Ltd) argued that corporate image was more important than the feelings of local residents. This decision goes against that and goes for any other companies who might be thinking of doing the same."

The Generous Pioneer is still waiting to see if an application to fix six new lamps to its roof will be approved.