I HAVE to agree with the National Heritage theory that homes are losing their character.

Terrace rows are being ruined as front gardens galore are dug up and turned into car, boat and caravan parks.

It's not only that but DIY fanatics too are changing the look of buildings that have stood the tests of time.

Top travel writer Bill Bryson last week revealed he had lived in a row of six identical homes until one idiot changed the style of the windows and not only ruined his own home but everyone elses.

I know how he felt.

The first house I owned alone was in a comfy little terrace row of 10 cottages facing fields and I did my best to get everyone to harmonise them in white so they would look charming and not like a row of multi-coloured matchboxes.

Everything went well until one decided to spoil the whole effect by going for pebble dashing. I moved on.

Of course everyone has their own taste, and that's a good thing, but homes with period character should not be allowed to be spoiled.

In that respect all buildings, new and old, should come with stipulations of what can and can't be altered.