DON PENGELLY of North Embankment, Dartmouth, writes:

Nice one Kevin, Chronicle, September 18. My family and I look forward to your very observant and witty little poems. No such praise to others for their public, and possibly unauthorised, observations.

The mayor Rob Lyon said at the topping-out ceremony: ‘I remember the [Sails] development being presented at the planning meeting. The design instantly struck me as something fresh and relevant. I could imagine coming across on the Higher Ferry and being able to instantly pinpoint this incredible building on the skyline at the entrance to our town. I wish we could see more of this type of building along the esplanade.’

In other words, an official approval on the grounds of precedent. So prepare yourselves all would-be ­redevelopers. To all Dartmothians, just imagine a string of this type of development between the Higher and Lower Ferries. Would visitors still come to goggle at how the town manages to hide the homes of ancient Dartmouth?

I cannot find any published detail of the form of construction used, and will it match the ageing and weathering qualities of nearby Newcomen House?

I believe this mode of construction is popular in China, where it has to house its vast population quickly and cheaply.