I FULLY agree with Judith Martin’s approach to the redevelopment of Station Approach, and in particular two aspects of what she advocates (Letters, December 1).

The birch copse landscape setting of the records office, listed 2020, is an essential and integral part of the original concept, emphasising and protecting the diagonal pathway, allowing pedestrians a quiet and silvan cut through towards the town centre.

Secondly, her suggestion of Peter Barber architects, the foremost designer of social housing, as the ideal practice to take forward a commission on this sensitive site. Not only has the practice been awarded the Soane medal, but has mopped up almost every housing award going. Here is the list from the year 2021, images of which can be viewed on the practice website:-

RIBA Neave Brown Award for Housing, McGrath Road, RIBA National and London Award, 95 Peckham Road, RIBA National and London Award, North Street, RIBA London Award, McGrath Road, RIBA London Award, Holmes Road Studios, AJ100 Contribution to the Profession Award.

The practice has demonstrated great expertise in dealing with infill sites which your run-of-the-mill housing developer rejects as uneconomical. Their designs encourage neighbourliness and convivial streets, free of cars.

Kate Macintosh MBE RIBA,

West End Terrace,

Winchester

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