A Government inspector is to decide on the future of a pigeon loft which has caused feathers to fly.

Pigeon fancier David Kernan fell foul of planners in April when he built the 24ft by 8ft pigeon coop in his back garden in Oak-worth Road, Keighley, without permission.

Bradford Council refused him permission to keep the building - home to 30 racing pigeons - on the grounds that it creates an "unacceptable impact" to a residential area. Neighbours irritated by what they call an eyesore have said that it must go.

They believe that Mr Kernan should move the birds to the allotment where he used to keep them and where there is more open space for them to roam.

"We've got pictures to prove that they sit on the roof and guttering and make a mess with their droppings. The whole thing also attracts vermin," said a resident. Another neighbour said: "House prices have already been affected. We just want City Hall to do something about it soon."

But Mr Kernan said that his 19-year-old twin sons, who have special needs, love the pigeons and having them at home helps to keep them out of trouble. "My lads get bullied when they're on the allotment and they're at an age where they don't take it any more so things get out of hand," said Mr Kernan, 52. He said that he bought the house in January believing that he could build the coop and keep an eye on his sons.

He dismissed claims that the birds are a hazard to drivers and pedestrians on Oakworth Road and are a general nuisance sitting on neighbours' roofs.

"They're trained to come back to the pigeon loft and I've had no complaints from transport companies saying the birds are dangerous to drivers," he said.

Anyone who wants to make views known should send three copies to: Planning Inspectorate, 3/08b Kite Wing, Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Temple Quay, Bristol BS1 6PN, quoting APP/W4705/A/02/1102975, by January 10.