In response to the letter from Stuart Wallace of Bellway Homes extolling the virtues of their Lavender Fields development (The Comet, March 9), I would like to question the safety of such an enormous construction of timber, which I recall is highly flamma

In response to the letter from Stuart Wallace of Bellway Homes extolling the virtues of their Lavender Fields development (The Comet, March 9), I would like to question the safety of such an enormous construction of timber, which I recall is highly flammable. Viewing the first phase of the build from Sainsbury's car park I have severe doubts about the fire safety of such a large wooden building, especially that enormous roof void.

Instead of Mr Wallace praising his company's use of timber from renewable sources (how long does a tree take to grow to sufficient size before milling for building use?) can he describe what fire break precautions have been included between floors and between adjacent sub-divided properties. Can he confirm the degree of flammability of the wall insulation material used so extensively. Perhaps Mr Stewart would care to view the development on the old Wallace's Dairy site in Bancroft where good old fashioned brick and not so old fashioned concrete blocks prevail between floors and properties. Sometimes so called progress is not progress at all. I know which style of build I would feel safer in. Congratulations to Kitchener's Builders.

KEN PORTER, Wellingham Avenue, Hitchin