The decision by appeals inspector Alan Novitzky to overturn a local planning panel's decision over building work at Long Lee strikes at the very roots of local democracy.

Keighley Area Planning Panel had fairly listened to all sides involved in the issue of unauthorised building work at Box Tree Grove. After taking all appropriate advice they made a decision to reject Skipton Properties' retrospective planning application for houses at Box Tree Grove and ordered the company to demolish one house and reduce the height of eight others.

That is direct democracy in action. Yet an un-elected, unaccountable body has ridden roughshod over that process and rejected the panel's decision.

It has left panel chairman Councillor Chris Greaves and his colleagues - who this time did lock horns with Skipton Properties - appalled and infuriated. This time they say they did their very best

Yet householder Karen East, whose home looks out on to the house that had been earmarked for demolition, lives in the real world.

She is understandably disappointed at the outcome but not too downhearted because she expected the outcome.. She had hoped right was might, but deep down knew that the building firm knew just what it was doing.

Sadly, she was right not to build up her hopes. If Mrs East knew that was to be the situation, it must raise questions over the planning panel's actions. Was it a hollow gesture?

Planning laws are a shambles, and no doubt there will be some convoluted reason why the inspector's decision cannot be challenged.

But surely on behalf of the people they represent - especially Mrs East - the councillors must not just roll-over and accept the inspector's decision.

It is not an easy or indeed inexpensive task, but the elected members should find a way of making a legal challenge even if it is only to set a precedent. Can-do councillors would continue to fight this good fight.