A millionaire could face legal action over work on his huge man-made wildlife park.

A planning chief has authorised enforcement action over the land off Roper Lane, Queensbury.

Officers say they found bricks, mortar, concrete and metal rods next to a pond, without permission.

They will tell next week's planning sub-committee that the rubble is unsightly and threatens the banks of Stines Beck.

The Environment Agency is also investigating the condition of the site.

Bradford Council principal planner Dale Scott has given the go ahead for enforcement action against businessman John Steele, who has spent tens of thousands of pounds on the scheme.

The action comes amid a long-standing dispute between millionaire Mr Steele and his neighbours George and Margaret Riseborough about the proposed development.

The 35-acre green belt site which Mr Steele owns lies between their two luxury detached homes on the scenic hillside.

Last month Mr and Dr Riseborough wrote to Bradford Council alleging that unauthorised tipping was taking place on the site.

Mr Riseborough, a professional writer and his wife, who is a psychologist, also wrote a strong letter of complaint to the Environment Agency about the work.

Mr Steele bought the land several years ago intending to create a reserve worth thousands of pounds.

Today Mr Steele said the work which was being done was necessary maintenance.

He says the wildlife on the site has never been so good and rare species are thriving.

But the Riseboroughs said in a statement today: "This site is utterly and unnecessarily a total and ecological mess.

"Many things need to be put right for the green belt amenity has been desecrated.

"We shall not rest until the environment is restored in utter conformity to the various planning permissions."

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