The halting of work on a development in Shipley due to alleged breaches of planning conditions is a fine example of people power.

Residents became aware of the developer apparently riding roughshod over agreed conditions and acted.

When planners impose restrictions and conditions as part of a new development, they are binding legal requirements.

Individuals and companies may sometimes take the view that they are just for show. But these conditions are there for a reason, and cannot just be ignored.

In this case, they included tree preservation orders and a ban on burning on the site. Vigilant residents saw these rulings apparently being breached and took action. As a result, work stopped, Bradford Council are investigating, and it looks as if the developer will work closely with the Council and residents in future.

Unfortunately, there are occasions where breaches are not seen until the development is too far advanced, and the planning authority faces a Hobson’s Choice of trying to enforce conditions through remedial work, which will probably lead to a costly legal battle, or simply leave things as they are. That is why the swift action taken here must be applauded.

Planning rules are for the benefit of the community and must be defended.