Pool-in-Wharfedale residents are reeling from news that a developer has won a two-year battle over where its properties should stand.

In fact, the decision on Consort Homes' appeal against Leeds City Council concerning its Swallow Drive properties was made on May 25.

But Pool Bank Close residents Mary Teale and Sandra Furness, whose homes are at the heart of the row, and Pool Parish Council only found out this week.

Consort appealed after Leeds threatened to take action against them for failing to amend a block of flats built to the rear of houses on Pool Bank Close.

The roof alteration was a condition attached to approval for Consort's amended scheme at Swallow Drive, and was intended to reduce the impact on neighbouring homes.

At an appeal hearing last month, however, Consort argued that the condition was unjust.

Consort Managing Director Darren Stubbs said: "Even though our original application was approved with no objections, we went to great lengths - and expense - to push through modifications which would make the development more acceptable to our neighbours.

"We communicated constantly with the council and were reassured that acceptance of these changes was merely a formality; however, this proved to be a deception.

"Much time and money has been wasted. I'm delighted that we can finally put this unpleasant episode behind us and get on with what we do best; building quality new homes for discerning Yorkshire customers.

"Bearing in mind that the original application was approved, I feel the campaign whipped up by local councillors was a disgrace but I am pleased that common sense has at last prevailed. However, as a tax payer I am aggrieved that public money has been wasted in such a manner."

Unsurprisingly, the reaction in the village has been very different. Pool Parish Council Chairman Councillor Hazel Lee has been involved in the dispute almost from the start.

Stressing that her comments were personal, she said: "I'm so cross and upset and I cannot understand that, after hearing the true facts and making a site visit, the inspector has come to this decision.

"This has really shaken my trust in the system.

"I admire the courage and bravery of the two householders and their fight against this injustice. I'm only sorry that they have not been successful but we must make sure that nothing like this happens again."

Councillor Barry Anderson (Con, Adel and Wharfedale) said: "I'm very disappointed at the result but not totally surprised because I do think the residents have been let down by the council on this from start to finish.

"All they wanted was a sympathetic development to take place. They've now got to look out at this massive monstrosity just beside their back gardens, which is going to put a shadow over the gardens and diminish their ability to enjoy them."

Mrs Teale and Mrs Furness issued the following joint statement: "We're disappointed but not surprised. The developers' barrister appeared to base his arguments on the contents of a confidential letter dated October 2003 from the Legal department of Leeds City Council to the Ombudsman, using the points of our original complaints.

"We were told by Leeds prior to the appeal, in the presence of Coun Anderson, that this letter would be inadmissible.

"Leeds has since confirmed it is not a public document and should have remained confidential.

"Interestingly, the arguments used that day are the ones we have used to Leeds Planning department and subsequent planning panels regarding the way this, and the previous applications, have been dealt with.

"We would like to thank Harold Best and George Lee for their input, and Coun Anderson and Pool Parish Council for their continuing support."