Sir: Mild enough is David James's rebuke to David Curry, the planning minister, for wanting to give local authorities more powers to control alterations to the elevations of buildings in Conservation Areas.

He is too demure to let us know what kind of house he lives in, but if it is what estate agents term 'mature', or in a Conservation Area, then probably he has not been tempted to 'update' it with a veneer of stonecladding. This is because the treatment would almost certainly diminish its market value. Probably also, and for the same reason, if his furniture includes a Victorian table or chest, he has not given it a Formica facelift.

The fact is many home-seekers now prefer properties (whether or not in Conservation Areas) that retain their original character intact. Where the need arises, they are also keen to heal the scars left by earlier owners' well-meaning but inept alterations.

Many local authorities already offer helpful advice on the idiomatic care of properties in Conservation Areas and the like. However, if the character of these is to remain unspoiled, they do need powers to deter the odd maverick who is deaf to wise counsel.

Yours faithfully,

ARTHUR PERCIVAL

Faversham,

Kent

8 April