AN OTLEY and Yeadon councillor has welcomed the announcement of new funds to help councils fight unlawful developments.

The Planning Enforcement Fund is a £1 million pot of cash that the Government is to make available to local authorities to cover legal costs while tackling illegal building or campsites.

Councillor Colin Campbell said: “I urge Leeds City Council to take the Government up on their generous offer.

“Many parts of Leeds suffer the blight of unlawful development and in the past the council has had great difficulties in enforcing its planning decisions, leading to long, drawn out battles that leave the residents affected angry and confused. This new money will help the council catch up on their backlog of enforcement.”