The comments on the saltaire survey

As there were too many comments for the survey report to include, we are publishing all the comments here for you to review - there were 146 comments. Happy reading.

32 trees should be planted

Council to put back all 32 trees.

Replace the removed trees with more appropriate beautiful trees and repair the all the pavements.

I   would like to see more trees planted. The view to the south, up the hill, is now barren and is punctuated at the top with the traffic flow of Bingley Road. The trees softened that view and probably absorbed some of the traffic noise as well. /  / I thought that some of the trees on the south side of Victoria Road occluded light for the residents of the ex-alms houses, but it would be lovely if more trees could be replanted down the street, north and south -  something smaller and more manageable. They prune trees in Parisian avenues - they're beautiful - so why not here? /  / It is very sad. If feels like the street has been vandalised by outsiders.

Crack down on illegal parking

Put back some beautiful trees. It all looks a bit bare. You can see the car wash at the top of Victoria Road all the way from Don't Tell Titus!

Maintain the green feel to the village

I'd like to be consulted in the same way as with the local 20mph, speed hump plans which I feel was quite extensive.

Petition for replanting down the whole of Victoria Road

Take notice of what is best for the community  let the community be involved listen and consult  also icomos and any other interested party including Rspb are consulted birds and all nests are protected by law

It is not possible to comment on this as the correct procedure for a WHS was not carried out

The natural environment of saltaire has been negatively altered. 32 suitable trees need to be replanted as soon as possible, this will not reverse the loss of mature trees with their own birds, insects and natural shelter but it will go some way to reducing the negative affects of felling. 8 trees as is proposed is not nearly enough.

I would not change the plans at all, the changes make the street look so majestic and smart.

Substantial evidence exists that shows trees are important/ positive for urban areas. As the trees have already been removed I would like some considerable effort to replace as many as possible

Replace the trees.

Feel that have been forced upon us with out consultation

Residents should be more closely involved. There's been a lot of bad feeling that should be acknowledged & people should let go of their personal agendas

 With the money available for this project there was no other viable option. The pavements are in a sorry state and that does not reflect well on a world heritage site. All other options were half way measures which would require further remedial work in the future. The top half of victoria road has adequate tree coverage amongst the almshouses and this small parkland is now much more visible on  that part of the street. Victoria Hall and its 4 centurions (lions) are no longer hidden amongst the branches and this improvement (in my opinion) adds to ambience and grandure of the village. The consultation was available for all of the residents (of which my wife and I are). We considered every option carefully before making our choice. People (especially those with the retrospective opinions) now need to move on, get behind the project and ensure that the pavements and removal works are carried out to a high standard for both residents and visitors alike. Questionnaires of this nature will not help bring the community together.

I am happy with the plans though I would be keen to be reminded of the time table for the replanting of trees and repair to pavements.

Whatever repairs / work is done it must be to the same standard that is expected from residents when they wish to improve / change their grade 2 listed homes, the fan sections of pavements must be kept and restored. There cannot be one rule for residents and another for the council in a bid to save money, the whole village is a conservation area and must be treated as such.

The trees should not have been removed in the first place and I can't believe our Green councillors supported their removal. As it is now sadly too late to save the trees, they should be replaced with an equal number to those which have been removed. Saltaire isn't the same without them.

The pavements were increasingly dangerous and there was evidence of possible root encroachment into foundations. The time for half measures was decades ago and the solution now needed to be radical.

I would like to see longer/ better publicised consutation processes. not everyone is available at specified times/days due to work/family commitments and possibly (but difficult due to same) whole village meeting/consultation.

It would be nice if new trees could be planted all the way down Victoria road not just 8 trees by the alms houses no one has taken any notice of the residents who didn't want to live on a road bereft of trees birds and greenery I am sure there is enough money to at least make Victoria road a pretty place to walk down but hey that might not get an award

As someone who have mobility at times the damage to the pavements was unacceptable

None

A more thorough and proactive approach to communicating with local residents to be used for all future plans.

Preserve as many chestnuts as possible. They are part of the heritage of the area.

Finish the whole scheme asap including planting the replacement schemes. Work with the church, college and Incommunities to remove/replace  the conifers. They are ugly, depressing and out of place and look even worse now the street trees have gone.

There doesn't seem to be an option for removing just some of the trees. / Seems a bit brutalist to fell them all.

it's probably too late to change anything

I would replace all the lamposts in Saltaire with Victorian Style lamposts and restore all the street furniture and railings back to the original styles. I would not allow concrete on the pavements, nor would I allow any cars to park on any of the pavements anywhere in the village. Setts should also be restored.

Saltaire is one of my favourite weekend break destinations and I loved the trees as a feature of a beautiful street. I am most concerned that this process was mismanaged. I think that replacement trees should be grown and some attempt to put in matching paving. I hope the tarmac is not the final finish.

Every property should have been consulted. The council harp on about it was not Titus salts vision of Saltaire to have trees. Neither was cars pubs washing lines a modern train station most certainly not the monstrosity of the new college building. Will it stop on Victoria Road or all the trees on Caroline St at risk too? Has there been a survey on loss of wildlife? I am in agreement for management of the trees and if they had been this problem would not have occurred. When it come to Saltaire Bradford council seem to have double standards

After viewing the proposals presented by the council at the Methodist church, having spoken to the heritage officer and having seen and responded to the proposals via the council's website, I was very happy with the level of consultation provided. I initially supported the proposal to remove the trees based on the cost of replanting in a way which would not damage the services below the pavement,  the obvious need to repair the pavement and on the council's ability to pay for more appropriate paving materials. Having seen the road since the trees were removed, I am struck that the intended grandeur or the road is now much more obvious and suspect that those living on Victoria road will appreciate the extra light.

replace all trees with same type

I would have preferred to see ALL the trees replaced with a more suitable species and the pavements repaired. Or the current trees managed, and the pavements repaired. It is ludicrous to remove the trees entirely as it ruins the look and character of the village, and is sure to lower the value of the properties within. I would also be concerned about the effect it has on tourism and the World heritage status, surely we should be improving the jewel in Bradford crown, not systematically destroying it?

All trees that have been removed to be replaced. / Those that have not yet been removed to be left in place (The trees along the border of the allotments do not block light to any residents and have not badly damaged the pavements around their bases). / And if any further felling can not be avoided then proper health and safety assessments and safe work practices need to be carried out in order to prevent further damage to property and risk of injury to residents

I think they went with the right decision.  Though it seems a shame to lose the trees, they were not part of the original village design and they were damaging the pavements.  It was more important for the character of the village to replace the pavements with appropriate original materials.  In fact, I've been surprised now the work has been done that taking the trees out has actually made Victoria Road look much more grand - the views you get down towards the river and Baildon are now stunning - they were completely hidden before.

If the current trees couldn't be maintained then they should have been replaced with a more suitable species. It's shocking  that anyone would think removing them completely was a good idea? Good for who? There are two outside our office window, and they will be sorely missed. The general aesthetics of the area are ruined, and the nice village feeling lost. The removal of the trees is quite frankly an eyesore and should be remedied immediately. We moved here to work somewhere more pleasing and less embarrassing to bring our business clients to (previously Bradford Centre) and the tree removal has ruined a huge part of the draw.

Listen to residents and those that live or have businesses in the area rather than it been a plan that will benefit the council by 'winning an award'.

The Council should cease vandalising this valuable asset - which is also a home to hundreds of people and workplace to hundreds more. The majority of the damage has already been done by the removal of the majority of the trees (not to mention the rigged ballot and what that has done for trust of the Council, the councillors and their intentions) but I think all works should be ceased pending a full and proper consultation and review (public meeting held in accessible places and at reasonable hours for working residents). Victoria Road from the junction with Saltaire Road now looks barren: yesterday I stepped into the road outside the bakery for a moment and all I could see looking up the hill we two snaking lines of parked cars glinting in the midday sun...it was one of the most depressing sights of Saltaire I have had for years.

None. It's unfortunate that the trees have to go, but they can't stay. The consultation was lengthy. The end product is nearer the historical saltaire and the trees are just a modern addition

Not necessary to remove all the trees on Victoria Road.  Just the ones that were causing real problems opposite the old hospital.  They should have replaced them after repairing the pavements.

Re plant the trees

Undo the horrible damage you have done. This was pure vandalism

Lets get this out in the open first of all. Losing trees is never a good thing. And yes it has changed the feel and vistas of Saltaire. The view of the trees, especially during the summer months, is one I always looked forward to. So yes it is sad to see them go. But on the flip side the improvements to access for wheelchair users, the elderly and parents with push chairs will be much welcome if you have to struggle with any of these.  /  / Maintaining the unique aesthetic of the village is a value I hold very high on my agenda, but I also believe this should not be at the expense of short sighted views of keeping Saltaire a living village museum. The trees were already damaging the pavements, restricting access and would have continued to damage the village buildings over time.  /  / Sadly we can't change what has been the result of a process, which I feel, was well publicised with a visible debate and outcomes.  /  / If you are angry at the lack of participation in the process, then this is another matter and not actually what you are debating. In fact I find he lack of focus to your 'campaign' a little confusing.  /  / Are you angry that the trees where cut down?  / Then where was the meaningful* campaign to stop the process? After the fact feels a little late to mobilise the troops. *Notice I use the term 'meaningful' here.  /  / Are you angry at the council for not being representative of local views? Again there was plenty of opportunity for comment and to be honest about the councils efforts in this case was a 'fair' (it was never going to be perfect or please everybody) level of communication. Letters to homes. Consultation sessions. Coverage in the local press etc. Which most residents with an interest in local affairs would have come across. Social media could have been used as part of the opinion gathering. However, local councils have strict democratic processes and having developed web based voting and feedback systems myself. To develop this in a manner which would not be open to abuse would have been costly and time consuming.  /  / Are you angry at local residents for blindly letting this happen by having busy lives and not really focusing on the issue until it was too late? Maybe.  /  / It would be good to know a little bit more about what your end game with this campaign is. Also I would look at changing the questions you are asking as part of this survey as they are heavily weighted towards proving your views and those of your followers on social media. We would not want this to be an unrepresentative or undemocratic process now would we.

Keep the trees what TPO's where force for this street that constituted an Avenue Consult external bodies independent of the council ensure the consulation was adequate and discipline the Council Officer whoo failed this project and made a major over site

Would also like the trees in Albert Road that are causing problems to be removed.

trees causing problems to footpaths must be removed, or the council will be getting claims on a daily basis for accidents. as these could very quickly pass the £m's then action must be taken. I'd prefer my taxes to be used once for the trees removal than dozens of times settling claims.

The trees existed. I know they were inappropriate for their position but until they caused a real and significant problem they should have been treated with the respect  they deserved. To say it was in line with world heritage was bogus as cement lamp posts and inappropriate signage is tolerated. . I see no rush to replace the Tarmac with sets and my child has not started work at the mill nor am I dead even though I have passed 50 . As things change we have an oppertunity to restore somthing as closely as is appropriate, this should be our duty. The council at one stage took seriously a plan to destroy Hirst Wood and build a duel carriage way through the allotments. The same organisation have created this plan. They would rather Saltaire return it's World Heritage status and build a by pass to join the M6 to the M62 and turn all the available buildings into flats and an extention of the college campus. I say to the people setting up the independent quarter , beware , if it is successful it will also be taken over by narrow minded revenge fueled beaurouxcrats  who are jealouse of what others have or have created.

Why were other schemes not considered like increasing the width of the pavement? If pavement access was a real issue for the council, what will they do about pavement parking in the rest of the village that forces push chairs and wheelchairs into the road and can block people's access to their own front doors? What will be done to mitigate all the parked cars that will now be so obvious in the main road? If it is argued thT the trees are not original, how can illuminated lions be justified?

I was dismayed last week when driving down Victoria Rd. The trees looked ugly all chopped back and branch less. We own a property which we let out and weren't informed of any changes.

I would like the same amount of trees to be replanted

Replace with more appropriate species.  I don't believe the costs quoted per tree and I don't believe that the underground services won't allow replacement in so many places (otherwise the big trees wouldn't have survived for so long!).  The 1970's concrete lamp posts that we're left with now look absolutely horrible.  They would have done better replacing the railings outside the houses and scraping all the chewing gum off the pavements.

A guarantee that trees will be planted to try & restore some of the appearance of Victoria Road & the approach to the village.

The streets look appalling without the trees, it's simply not aesthetically pleasing. It's ludicrous to suggest removing the trees and only to replace eight at the top of the road furthest away from the village itself? All trees should be replaced, most importantly lower Victoria road around the hall and the tourist areas. The village has lost its charm and the value of property must have been negatively impacted by this ill thought out decision. The council must rethink this right away.

Shocked and dismayed to see the barren urban view without the beautiful leafy village tree's. It's an utter travesty and the person responsible should be ousted for terrible decision making. The only solution is to stop making excuses about the quality of the soil and the utilities and replace those trees asap

Too late now

More publicity and far more opinions sought

Repair the current paving with stone more in keeping with the village rather than black tar. Plant new trees,  more than eight, to restore the familiar and delightful canopy that made Victoria Road so recognisable and memorable.

I am sad the trees have gone but understand reasons why. Improved access for all and preservation of the pavement and surrounding houses had to be factored in.  This being the case,, i would like to know what happened to the felled trees: were they used for example as playgrounds chips, donated for local sculpture or other community use such as new benches on canal or were they just disposed of? Doing something with them would have learned the blow of their removal and been in keeping with many local views on sustainability.

How can it be a unesco site when the very nature of the ambience is changed overnight

I have said that the consultation was inadequate but I think this was because pexpletives did not engage when they could have actually achieved a different outcome. The trees are down. Maybe the council can be persuaded to put in more greenery such as hanging baskets  / Maybe we should apply to have a parish council that would give Saltaire folk more say in Saltaire matters! /

More visual evidence. If there had been pictures on how characterless Vicky Rd was going to look, more people would have objected. It's bleak & soulless & looks like any other road now!

New, large trees should be planted  to replace some parking spaces.

the abundance of trees was one of Saltaire's charms - now it looks bear. / It is still a special place but not as pleasing to the eye as before. / The residents/tenants immediately impacted mostly bought or rented knowing the trees were there so I have little sympathy for them.  / Bradford Council appears to be at war with trees but it needs more particularly to act against traffic pollution (which is a major problem near to Victoria Road).

Manage the existing trees and repair the pavements. Can't express our disappointment and anger and the destruction of these trees. So disillusioned by Green councilors. Have been a life long supporter but will never vote Green again. 

The heart has been ripped out of the village. The trees were an integral part of the heritage. We cannot paint our front doors certain colours that are not Saltaire approved but the council can alter whatever else they want? Outrageous.  / The trees, a living part of the village, are dead. Thank you for ruining the village. I have not heard ONE person who has been pleased with this. / Well, too late now. Replace with mature trees that you periodically fell

Now it's too late to protect the existing trees, replacement trees should be planted in an appropriate location (preferably fairly nearby) at a rate of at least 3 to 1. I understand this is normal approach for some government bodies and would sound like good practice given maturity of the trees that have been lost. It is staggering that this decision has been taken in a way that was so easy to miss and enter into debate upon. And remarkable that our 'green' council has not even committed to 1 for 1 replacement.

I am amazed that there are no plans for tree (habitat) replacement and or compensation.  This is a fairly standard practice for environmental impact management.  If the trees were truly no longer appropriate for the location and had to be removed from a health and safety and services perspective then the environmental and amenity loss should be mitigated and compensated either on or off site through tree replacement at an appropriate ratio.  I  not aware of any such scheme; this is whait truly upsets me about the project.  I also think the 'options' themselves reflect poor consultation practice; either the trees need to go, or they don't.  If they need to be removed, neither option is acceptable to me.

The options were skewed. The trees needed to go, but there's also a need for some new trees, and not small ones, either.

It is disgraceful the questions essentially gamed responses so that those who were pro some trees remaining were essentially split /  / I would like all the trees to be replaced and no further felling to take place. The pavements should be repaired and more thought through options to support accessibility considered.

More extensive consultations /  / Traffic calming

The majority of respondents to the council snap consultation over an Easter vacation chose the two options that included retaining trees. The council split the vote on this claiming that most people wanted the trees felling. /  / I want all the trees that were removed to be replaced with appropriate species, not a mere 8 trees in one small section of the road.  The original trees only became unwieldy because the council neglected to maintain and prune them effectively. /  / The view up Victoria road is now barren with the most prominent feature being the huge car wash and heavy traffic. The council have committed an act of vandalism, destroying the area visually and ecologically. /

Rebuild a new bridge like the original one if possible.  The small bridge is a nightmare when events are on in Roberts Park.

I think they should be extended to include the felling of the trees between the church and the park, restoring the original view

The numbers of people consulted, the numbers of respondents, and the numbers of objections by those not consulted, including petitions, be made public.  / The decision and reasons for the trees not being replaced be revisited, with wider public awareness and consultation.  / Public discussion and consultation about investment in Saltaire to enhance it's World Heritage status and boost tourism.

Those responsible for the continuing vandalism of our heritage should be removed from office.  / Bradford council have absolutely no idea what they have and how to preserve it. What a bunch of idiots!!

Disgusting !! Surely the pavements could have been rebuilt around these beautiful mature trees. What's next ? Removal of the stone lions and modernising the buildings. All to often our heritage is destroyed on a whim made by the ideals of so called progress !

Plant smaller species of trees to help with air quality and at least try to keep to Titus Sslt's vision for the village.

Replace with suitable trees.  /

At the moment I fail to see how the pavements have been restored to a high standard. The aftermath on the upper part of Victoria Road is laughable.

I was not consulted and dont know if the following points were considered. / 1. Driving up Victoria Road, or along Saltaire Road, looking to the top of the road the "World Heritage" site is blighted with visions of 1930s housing and a plastic fronted car wash. Definitely NOT a photographic opportunity. / 2. Turning right from Titus Street  with the aim to drive up Victoria Road, I am battling to see oncoming traffic as the sun shines directly into my line of vision, already I have once almost crashed into oncoming traffic as the position of the sun leaves the sun visor in my car useless. I observed one cyclist with a near miss last week too as another driver had a similar problem. /  / Driving in Saltaire is now a hazard.

I believe all of the felled trees should be replaced, with full sized trees, not small trees. The street looks terrible - depressingly stark - and somehow more untidy without them and I'm not sure the overall 'heritage' aesthetic has been at all considered.  / I agree the pavement needs replacing or at least repairing but I hope this is not made too modern (the weird area and Saltaire statue thing on the corner of the new junction, for example, looks ridiclous and not at all in keeping with the beautiful feel of Saltaire)