GUARDIANS of Saltaire's World Heritage status are cracking down on rogue front doors fitted to houses in the village which are deemed to breach listed building rules.
Bradford Council planning officers have now compiled a list of four examples of doors they say are not in keeping with the buildings' historic status.
They have highlighted 11 Fanny Street, 18 and 19 Whitlam Street and 27 Mary Street as being worthy of receiving enforcement orders which are written and ready to be sent unless the householders act swiftly to comply with the law.
The officers' reports on the unauthorised doors in the Grade II listed area note: "The doors installed have not been done so in accordance with the requirements of the Listed Building legislation and are considered to be unauthorised."
No householders came to their doors at the four addresses when the Telegraph & Argus sought comments yesterday.
But Saltaire resident of 25 years Graham Haughton said he believed it was important for standards to be maintained.
"Although there is a mish-mash of styles in Saltaire, it is good that the Council expects people to replace them in the original type of panelled doors rather than any ordinary off-the-shelf products," he said.
"Generally people think it is important to maintain the village's unique character."
However long-time resident and Saltaire Bookshop owner David Ford said there were other issues to consider.
"The rules do contribute to keeping the integrity of the village, it's true," he said.
"However it must be said that individuals might look at Bradford Council's current plans for the trees in Victoria Road or the planned new Shipley College building and think - why should we abide by their rules for Saltaire?
"A lot of people are saying that and it's important that the Council shows leadership on such things - particularly the new college building.
"Although the revised building is better, it still doesn't really fit in and what's one person's front door compared to the impact that would have?".
A Council spokesman confirmed it was carrying out a broad survey of all the homes in Saltaire's conservation area to see they meet the necessary structural criteria.
"Conservation officers are reviewing each and every property in Saltaire, which is a World Heritage site which we have to protect, and the use of unauthorised doors has been brought to our attention," he said.
Helen Thornton, the Council's World Heritage Site Officer for Saltaire, explained the rules regarding what sort of doors and windows are acceptable.
"There are set designs for windows and doors in the UNESCO World Heritage site of Saltaire. "The designs which need to be used are a reflection of the historic nature of the house and when it was built," she said.
"Residents can find out which is the right design for their house by contacting the Council.
"In order to maintain the unique character of the World Heritage site and the Conservation Area, it is important for people to seek and follow advice before any repairs or replacements are carried out.
"Replacement windows and doors need Listed Building Consent by law and the Council can assist those needing to put in an application for consent."
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