UNUSUAL HOLDING POINT?
I recently flew from a an airfield that has ATC and Non Precision Approaches, and a full tower service. Upon rejoining I was offered the option of either a standard overhead join, or a base join to a LH 21. I elected to do a base join. I was instructed to maintain 1600'; I called the tower in adequate time for the join, and requested a further descent to join base, but was not cleared. As the circuit was not overly busy, I slowed down, and expected to be slotted in to the system. As I was now into the base leg at 1600 feet, (with a circuit height of 1100') I offered to go round, and descend dead side and rejoin down-wind. I was instructed to hold at my current position, which was effectively at the bottom of the downwind leg, at the intersection of the base leg. I accept that I was 500' higher than circuit traffic should have been, but I wonder if this is a safe place in which to conduct a hold? Are there any ATCOs out there who can shed light/offer opinions. I accept that if I felt there was a real risk, then I would have departed the circuit, and rejoined later from the overhead. I'm not trying to rattle cages, just seeking opinions.
Tailwinds