SIR – It was extremely disturbing to read (T&A, July 8) that Bradford Council do not appear to be taking firm enough action on planning breaches. Councillor Val Slater blames this on fewer staff “due to cuts and various other things”.

However, I would have thought that, in the view of Bradford residents, planning breaches should be very high on the list of priorities for urgent action at all times, otherwise the city will simply be seen as a soft touch.

Surely all planning breaches, almost without fail, should be properly prosecuted?

Further, what about requests for retrospective planning permission? These must be as a result of work being undertaken before any approval is received? As such, shouldn’t these also be legally pursued more often than not?

Our Council’s priorities do still seem to leave much to be desired.

Bob Watson, Springfield Road, Baildon