I understand Historic England staff are happy with the proposed extension to the rear of Dartmouth Museum.

Their opinion was that it would enliven a street that has been somewhat compromised by modern additions and parked vehicles.

I was as worried as they were that modern additions would compromise any building, never mind a Grade I-building – and the suggestion that vehicles were being allowed to park in a street adjacent to such important structures was a complete shock to my own pomposity.

But then I noticed that their opinion appeared directly below a mock-up of the proposed modern addition, together with parking for three vehicles.

So I guess Historic England staff do not have a very clear understanding of the similar nature of pots and kettles.

If the aquarium extension goes ahead, I hope it will be made Grade I-watertight. Then the council could invite Damien Hirst to fill our new shark tanks with formaldehyde and pop in a couple of deceased great whites. Or perhaps Damien might consider filling the tanks with water and stocking them with active fish to enliven the street – which could then be re-named Flavel Plaice.

Seriousness apart, approving this extension will set an interesting precedent for the owners of the other 392 listed buildings in Dartmouth. Perhaps they should be filling out their planning applications as soon as possible for modern additions and car parking – while our council is in the mood for a bit of historic enlivening.

Rod Burton

Above Town, Dartmouth