AN INVESTIGATION has been launched to see if multi-coloured fluorescent lights introduced at a Burley-in-Wharfedale pub have breached planning regulations.

A row has erupted in the village after the Generous Pioneer pub, on Ilkley Road, rigged up more than 60 purple and green lights.

Dazzled residents said the glow cast by the lighting - described as more appropriate for Las Vegas - was shining into their homes. Concerns were also raised that the lighting could distract drivers on the nearby A65.

Coun Audrey Brand, chairman of Ilkley Parish Council's planning committee, took up the residens' cause and consulted planning inspectors at Ilkley Town Hall.

Coun Brand said: "It is being looked at from a planning point of view to see if we can object on these grounds. It can be seen from miles away. If you are driving down the moor it can be seen. At first I thought it was a Christmas effort.

"Originally it was in a nice, soft, muted colour and now they have rather overdone it. It is also on the motorway there, at the entrance to the village, and could be a distraction to motorists on the roundabout."

A spokeswoman for the planning department at the town hall confirmed that the matter was now being examined. She said that in some instances planning permission was needed for the erection of new lighting - and that this was not agreed in the original application.

The case has now been passed to a Bradford City Council enforcement officer, based at Shipley Town Hall. He will establish if the pub has breached any planning regulations with its garish lighting.

Coun Brand added: "If the enforcement officer finds it objectionable he will take it further on planning and legal issues."