Build up (From Penarth Times)

Build up

WHEN I was growing up, I learnt that the tallest building in the world was (then) the Empire State Building in New York City.

Other buildings have since surpassed this height, notably the twin towers of the bombed World Trade Centre, The Sears Tower in Chicago, and the buildings in countries like Taiwan, Malaysia and China.

A building in Taipei in Taiwan is more than half a kilometre in height. The mind boggles.

Ultra-high buildings are an example of the move towards size. Yet to say 'bigger is always better' can hardly be right. It can seem a rather vulgar attitude.

There may be economic and financial pressures to building upwards, but the sad saga of council tower blocks, built in Britain in the 1960s and 70s and now demolished, may have lessons.

In Penarth, there is controversy about the future of the site adjoining the old Custom House building.

It should not be necessary for me to spell out my attitude to some of the plans submitted for this site, following the possible demolition of the old, derelict buildings.

'No gherkins please' should be the motto, at least in the town of Penarth.

Michael O'Neill

Railway Terrace

Penarth