Alcohol licence granted despite disorder fears

Until recently the unit was part of the bar and restaurant duo Don't Tell Titus

A drinks licence has been granted to a premises despite fears it could lead to alcohol-fuelled disorder in the heart of a World Heritage Site in Bradford.

Bradford Council granted the licence to the Don't tell Titus property - a former bar and restaurant in Saltaire, which gives permission for alcohol to be served until 23:30 and late night refreshments until midnight.

Historian Les Brook told the licensing meeting he feared it could lead to disorder and vandalism of the nearby United Reform Church and the mausoleum of Sir Titus Salt -the industrialist who built the village.

Chris Grunert, representing the building's owner, said there were other bars in Saltaire that had similar licenced hours.

Speaking on behalf of several objectors, Mr Brook said: "Saltaire is a World Heritage site and its outstanding features must be taken into account when understanding the impact of any disorder.

"This bar will be just 160 metres from the United Reform Church – a key feature of the World Heritage Site and a Grade I listed building.

"The church is an easy target for alcohol related disorder. The mausoleum of Titus Salt and his family is also accessible.

"We must make sure this plan doesn't cause harm to an internationally valuable heritage site."

The village was built by industrialist Sir Titus Salt for workers at his textile mill and was designated a Unesco World Heritage Site in 2001

The meeting was told the business, on Victoria Road, recently downsized leaving an empty unit but that several tenants were interested in the site, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Mr Grunert said there no plans to make the unit a takeaway and the late night refreshment licence was to serve coffee until closing time.

Addressing Mr Brook's concerns about vandalism, councillor Marcus Dearden asked: "In your 30 years of living in Saltaire have there been many instances of vandalism at the United Reform Church?"

Mr Brook replied: "Not a lot."

Mr Grunert acknowledged alcohol could fuel some trouble, but added: "The vast majority of people take care when they go out, alcohol doesn't always mean disorder."

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