In message , Saeed
writes
The DIY SOS on BBC last night showed a house in Bradford where one of
the problems was demp in the walls.

One of the crew said the damp was caused by the "wrong sort of plaster
not allowing the wall to breathe". They remedied it by replastering
using (I think) "Lime and Sand Plaster".

More likely 'limelite' renovating plaster.
http://www.cmspozament.co.uk/limelite/limelite_info.htm

I think I might have a similar problem on a chimney breast wall
(terrace house, so not an external wall). The wall has around 2 inches
of plaster (browning undercoats and top finish). I question the need
for quite so much plaster. The plaster was all the way to the stone
flagged floor, with a cellar underneath. Last year I hacked off around
2 inches at the bottom all along the wall, and this help, but not
entirely, and last nights show gave me another clue.

Anyone know what this plaster is, and where to get it from?

Builders merchants.

--
mark