College plan for World Heritage Site criticised

Saltaire is known for its distinctive rows of terraced homes made of Yorkshire stone

Plans to construct a new college building at the heart of a World Heritage Site in Bradford have attracted more than 160 objections.

What is described as a "community, arts and future technology centre" has been proposed for what is currently a car park off Caroline Street in Saltaire.

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

A decision on the proposal by Shipley College is due to be made by Bradford councillors next week after officers recommended its approval.

The plans for the site off Caroline Street would cut much-needed car parking, critics say

Under the scheme, the facility would be used by Shipley College as extra classroom space, the Local Democracy Reporting Service reports.

It would also provide a new home for the Saltaire Collection, which consists of thousands of artefacts and documents recording the history of the village.

Meanwhile, there would be an exhibition space, new public toilets to replace the facilities already on the site and visitor information boards.

The new centre would be partly funded through the Shipley Towns Fund, which is a £25m government pot of cash to regenerate the area.

The village is dominated by Salts Mill, built by Sir Titus Salt and opened in 1853

In their report, Bradford Council planners said Shipley College already made a "major contribution" to the World Heritage Site, "owning and maintaining listed buildings, facilitating public events and through staff and pupils making an important contribution to the local economy".

"The development is seen as an opportunity to improve and enhance facilities for key stakeholders and the community, strengthening the social and cultural experience for local people and visitors," the report adds.

Historic England has backed the plans, saying the facility would mean the replacement of an "unattractive" car park and an increase in green space.

A total of 20 people have written to council planners in support of the proposals.

Andrew Manning said the loss of car parking in the area was a concern

However, some Saltaire residents have expressed their concerns, citing fears the new building would be out of keeping with the rest of the village, as well as worries about the impact on car parking.

Speaking to BBC Radio Leeds, pensioner Andrew Manning said the centre "could be a plus for the local community", but warned it would "put a great strain on already strained infrastructure".

"Parking is at a premium and the infrastructure can't take much more traffic, to be honest," he said.

"People here find it difficult as it is, so removing the car park is going to be very detrimental."

Ruth Thompson said she was "very worried" about the possible design of the building

Fellow Saltaire resident Ruth Thompson said she wanted Shipley College to look for space on its existing site before building the proposed facility.

"Saltaire's a Unesco world heritage site and it's absolutely beautiful architecturally," she said.

"I'd be very worried about what the design might look like right in the heart of Saltaire."

However, Simon Thomas said: "If it's going to be a nice community hub, then I think it's a good thing, to be fair.

"I don't think it would disturb the area too much, personally. If anything, I think it would enhance it."

A decision on the plans is expected to be made at a Bradford Council planning meeting on 29 February.

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