SIR: I feel I must speak in defence of Chesil Lodge as there have been many critical letters to the editor in the last year about the so-called “failure” of its architectural design.

I was born, brought up and educated in Winchester. I have walked the historical pavements and lived with the City’s past all my life. Now, with retirement to look forward to and plan for, I am excited at the prospect of spending time re-visiting my childhood haunts. However, new historical design is being created every day. Chesil Street has an ancient past. Its history cannot be doubted and should never be forgotten but we need the architectural design of Winchester’s new buildings to have an eye to the future as well as a nod to the past. Winchester needs fresh life breathing into it and a move away from standard architecture, where the design blends blandly into its neighbours, is refreshing. For those of us who take pleasure in straight lines and squareness, Chesil Lodge is a perfect example of how simple, modern architecture can still uplift the soul.

After more than 18 months of waiting, my Mum has just moved into the Lodge and I can assure the Editor that the flat was worth waiting for - as lovely on the inside as it is on the outside.

Angela Goodridge,

Birch Grove,

Boyatt Wood,

Eastleigh

SIR: Having recently moved to Chesil Lodge we would like to thank everyone involved in the project. It has taken a long time but everything has been so well thought out it’s been worth the wait.

We would like to say ‘thank you’ to all of the staff here who are dedicated, caring, cheerful and always ready to help in any way. All of us living here appreciate you.

Mrs Joy Brown,

Chesil Street,

Winchester