A study is to look at how the world heritage site at Saltaire can be protected from development.

It will consult with residents of the historic village about the possibility of creating a "buffer zone" which will ensure the historic environment will be taken into consideration.

The proposal would mean Bradford Council and other agencies would have to pay regard to the historical environment before allowing changes to be made.

The scheme is suggested as part of an environmental study, which will take place next year, by the Saltaire Project Team which oversees the management plan for the village.

The plan was drawn up in 2000 when Saltaire was nominated as a world heritage site.

World Heritage Site Officer Caroline Wilkinson said: "The project is in the very early stages of its development.

"We will basically be looking at the area to make sure the historic environment is key to the planning process for the area.

"We will be looking at creating a buffer zone around the site, which will be quite a wide area, and that means any development in the area must take into account its impact on the world heritage site.

"It would create a layer of protection around the village centre."

The study would also look at visitor numbers, parking and traffic management to strike a balance between tourism and the daily life of residents.

The study will go along with the development of a home owner's directory which will be produced for householders in the village.

The directory, which is intended to stay with the house when it is bought or sold, will include a description, statement of significance, information on the historical details of the home and guidance on repairs and maintenance.

The proposals are listed in the project team's fourth annual report which will be presented to Shipley Area Committee on Wednesday and details the priorities for the year ahead.

The team also intends to:

lMake improvements to Caroline Street car park, particularly the toilets;

lCreate a website;

lDevelop a database to record information about Saltaire;

lPut up a commemorative plaque to celebrate the World Heritage inscription;

lRaise awareness of the significance of the site through publicity, workshops and events;

lDevelop partnership working within the council and external interests.

An update on the open spaces study will be given at the next Saltaire Neighbourhood Forum, which will be held on May 10 at Saltaire Methodist Church Hall, from 7.30pm.

The full report is available from Bradford Council's website at www.bradford.gov.uk.