LARGE signs promoting a nightspot in Saltaire have been judged too huge for the World Heritage Site.

Big boards advertising the Hop, in the former Old Tramshed building, were put in the car park between Albert Road and Clarence Road - despite having been turned down in an original planning application.

After being advised this was in breach of planning rules, The Hop's owners then submitted a retrospective application for the signs, thus halting any potential enforcement action by Bradford Council.

However that application has now been refused and the signs will be removed and possibly replaced.

A spokesman for The Hop said: "We accept the decision of Bradford Council and are actively working with them to find a compromise which everyone is happy with.

"The Hop, Saltaire is a very popular venue in the locality and as such we are keen to ensure that any investment we make is in keeping with the surrounding area."

The Grade II listed building was built in 1904 and converted to a trolley bus depot in 1939 which ceased operating in 1963.

The tram shed is one of very few such buildings protected nationally and one of the most architecturally significant examples.

The Council officers report detailing reasons for planning refusal stated: "Its more recent adaptation to use as a bar and restaurant has enabled a respectful adaptation with some modern intervention, but with the original purpose and character still fully evident.

"However, significant care is also required to preserve the architectural and historic interest this unique heritage asset and its setting in relation to the nearby Conservation Area and World Heritage Site.

"It is clear that excessive signage has the potential to significantly detract from the character and appearance of the building and unnecessary or repeated signage will not be supported."

The report said the majority of signs were acceptable, but the two in the car park area crossed acceptable boundaries, particularly the largest one.

"The sign numbered 07 in the car park adjoining the new public realm area at the top of Albert Road does not contribute to the Outstanding Universal Value of the Saltaire World Heritage Site.

"Sign 07 is very large, indeed larger than the other car park signs, unjustified and is incongruous and intrusive in views of the World Heritage Site from other sides of the Junction."

Saltaire Village Society chairman Vanessa Pilny said: "I think it was the right decision as they were just too big and too bright."

Ward councillor Martin Love (Green) agreed that the two large signs had to go.

"They really were much too close to the World Heritage Site and not in keeping with the area," he said.