SALTAIRE’S World Heritage Site status will not go the way of Liverpool’s - Bradford Council has pledged.

2021 is the 20th anniversary of the model village being awarded the prestigious title, and Bradford Council this week “reaffirmed its commitment” to maintaining Saltaire’s status.

Last month UNESCO stripped Liverpool Maritime Mercantile City of its status, claiming new developments in the city had caused “irreversible damage” to its Victorian docks.

In response Bradford Council doubled down on its commitment to ensure Saltaire retains its status.

Saltaire was built in the 1850s by Sir Titus Salt for workers in Salts Mill.

In 2001 it was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO - placing it in the same category as sites like the Pyramids.

Despite becoming one of the most sought after places to live in the District in recent years, most of the village’s heritage features have been retained. Planning policies remain strict to prevent modern additions from creeping in, and residents even need to apply for planning permission if they want to make minor changes to their homes.

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A Council spokesman said: “Recently, Bradford Council has made a number of investments to Saltaire, including restoring stone pavements, creating new footpaths to the surrounding neighbourhoods, and proposing an active travel zone to make the village more accessible to live, work and visit.

“Pavements in the worst condition have been repaired re-using stone where possible, or using new natural Yorkshire stone to improve accessibility with dropped kerbs and stone tactile paving. The materials and quality of work are to a very high standard appropriate to the World Heritage Site.

“Bradford’s Local Plan promotes protection of Saltaire. Developments within the Site or its Buffer Zone are checked. The Council monitor changes closely and enforce to protect World Heritage status where appropriate. Much guidance and advice is available for property owners to understand what is acceptable.

“There has been an increase in applications for Listed Building Consent and investment in properties in Saltaire during 2020-21 with owners improving window and door details and re-roofing. This means the character and appearance of Saltaire World Heritage Site is gradually improving.

“The Saltaire World Heritage Site Steering Group meets twice a year chaired by Councillor Ross-Shaw. Historic England representatives who advise UNESCO attend this and, and in June the Head of International Strategy confirmed that there are no reasons for concern at Saltaire.”

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Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Executive for Regeneration, Planning and Transport, said: “We are very proud of Saltaire and value our district’s important and fascinating heritage. The Council and our partners are committed to protect the village’s UNESCO status and will continue to invest in its protection and enhancement.”

Saira Ali, Team Leader, Landscape, Design and Conservation, “We are continually researching and bidding for funds and opportunities to enhance the heritage. We have been successful in securing Government and other funding available to make improvements and invest in Saltaire where possible and appropriate in line with World Heritage Status.”

Sheena Campbell, Saltaire’s World Heritage Officer added: "This year Saltaire is celebrating the 20th Anniversary of being a World Heritage Site.  We are working hard on protection, enhancement and promotion. The Council co-ordinates a new Collaboration group that has brought forward a programme of events by dedicated community groups to celebrate ‘Mills and Model villages’ featured at www.visitsaltaire.com.”