Saltaire is a tremendous asset to Bradford. The mill village built by Sir Titus Salt pulls in tourists by the thousand every year. They come to admire and explore the mill, but they also come to wander the streets and savour the atmosphere of the place.

Much of Saltaire's appeal is in its timelessness - a quality which was meant to be preserved when the centre of the village was designated a conservation area in 1971. For it to retain those qualities which make it so special, it is vital that it keeps its traditional look.

However, it seems that too many residents have not been abiding by the rules and have had unlawful work done over the past ten years. "Off the peg" doors have replaced the traditional timber-panelled designs deemed acceptable. Wooden window frames have been replaced by uPVC. A chimney stack has been demolished and a flagged path relaid in concrete.

Now councillors are to consider a report from planning officers suggesting that they should oblige householders to have their properties restored to the proper requirements.

That will cost the owners more money, admittedly - although apparently there are grants available to help to soften the blow. It might seem a little hard on them after the money they have already spent to keep their homes in good order, and sometimes officers might need to compromise on the ideal.

But it is right to take a hard line in principle, to reinforce the responsibilities which go with the privilege of living in a conservation area.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.