CALLS for improved consultation during future projects following the controversial removal of trees in Saltaire World Heritage Site are to be presented to Bradford Council.

Recognising concerns expressed by campaigners who petitioned to save trees from the axe in Victoria Road, Shipley Area Committee has now put forward the following criticisms and advice.

* That the decision making process was delegated too early to officers

* That consideration be given to best practice in relation to consultations to improve the Council’s own engagement process including engaging with local groups to broaden participation

* That consideration be given to the scope for refining or improving planting and greenery within the scheme

* That simple and honest language in plain English be used for future consultations.

Shipley Area Committee chairman, Councillor David Heseltine, explained the thought behind the recommendations.

"At the end of the day it's about consultation and we need to get that right - which is something is we often struggle to do here in Bradford but of course that's true elsewhere, it's not just Bradford, said Cllr Heseltine.

"What we need to do is improve public participation and engagement."

In response to the suggestion that consideration be given to improving planting and greenery within the scheme, council officer have pointed out in their answer that some planting may be possible, but not on a wide-scale.

"Since the Area Committee meeting, additional broad-leaved fruit trees have been introduced in place of conifers in the Almshouses gardens, their report states.

"Additionally four new trees are planned to be planted within the existing green spaces in front of Victoria Hall and Shipley College.

"Finally, there is still potential to plant new trees to the Victoria Road edge of the allotments, but there is limited value in pursuing this as there are concerns that these may impede a key designated view of Salts Mill in this location and also that allotments and allotment holders may be impacted with increased shade."

The report then gives detailed reasons why more planting will not take place:

"Additional trees in the pavements have been ruled out primarily due to the location of underground services which was confirmed following the excavation of trial holes," it states.

"Build outs with trees inserted into the carriageway attached to the pavement have been ruled out primarily due to the negative impact on the historic design layout and Outstanding Universal Value of the World Heritage Site and on the explicit advice of Historic England.

"In addition to this there would have been an adverse impact on parking, deliveries and signage etc.

"Trees in planters have been ruled out because they would obstruct the already narrow pavements, they would have a limited ‘shelf life’ and would create an on-going maintenance liability.

"Other vertical greening, such as growing climbing plants on structures has been ruled out as a completely unprecedented and incongruous addition to the street scene, which would be inappropriate in this WHS location.

"One of the key objectives is to obtain even more improved views now that the trees have been removed of the

striking and significant architectural facades of the Victoria Hall and Salt Building.

"This improves the area’s appearance as a historic square."

The report will be considered by the council's executive next Tuesday.