A VILLAGE pub which is so brightly lit it has been dubbed the "Burley Illuminations" faces having the plug pulled on its lights show

The pink purple and green lights at the Generous Pioneer in Burley-in-Wharfedale might not be out of place on Blackpool's Golden Mile- but council planner and residents are far from impressed.

They believe they are totally inappropriate on the busy Burley-by-pass.

This week residents were celebrating after news that the pub is set to be served with a breach of condition notice and told to switch off the lights for good.

Planners have ruled that the 60-plus helium lights and strip lighting on the pub's roof of the building broke conditions in the planning permission granted to the pub when it was built around four years ago.

Councillor Audrey Brand, chairman of Ilkley parish Council planning committee which objected to the lighting said she was "absolutely in favour" of the decision.

She said: "The lighting is totally excessive and can be seen from the top of Ilkley Moor. It is a distraction to motorists on the very busy by-pass and roundabout."

When the pub was built, planners sought details of the external lighting for the building and car park, Permission was given for soft, golden lights.

Residents, especially those on the adjacent Wellfield Farm housing estate, were outraged when the lighting appeared late last year. Some claimed it was so bright it illuminated their homes and gardens.

"When they first put the extra lighting up, we thought it was a novelty Christmas display," said Coun Brand.

"Then we discovered they wanted to keep it, despite not seeking extra planning approval."

Bruce Speed, chairman of Burley-in-Wharfedale Community Council, said villagers had voiced concerns on the lights.

"We have certainly had a lot of comments from residents about the lights and how inappropriate they are, particularly stuck out on the edge of the village and the conservation area, so I am sure that these people will be pleased to see them come down," he said.

Ilkley parish councillor Mike Exley said the lights were "totally inappropriate".

"I am glad the enforcement notice has been imposed and I hope that they ensure that it is carried out quickly," he said.

Brewery giant Tom Cobleigh Limited, which owns the pub, declined to comment on the breach of condition notice.

The notice will be served later this week, and the pub will have 28 days within which to comply. The firm have no right to appeal against the order.