It's the bulk that is scary, not the height

Elizabeth Farrelly mischaracterises opposition to Barangaroo's aquatic hotel (''Deal with our fear of heights'', November 11). If, a year ago, one were to have sketched a hypothetical parody of an outrageous Sydney development, it might have resembled Lend Lease's proposal - not only offensive in itself, but a dire precedent.

Barangaroo ought to have some tall buildings in the right places, but it, unlike the average city site, belongs to the public. Whoever thinks the incredible bulk pictured in yesterday's Herald is even close to worthy of the last great site in Sydney has not seen the slender, sculptural towers being built in many cities around the world.

The financial industry may demand big floorplates, but that does not mean they have to be stacked 40 storeys high along the foreshore of the greatest harbour in the world.

Alan Miller Hornsby