Thanks for your replies.
Many may argue that it is safer to be closer to the runway than being far, and I think it is not true. By being too close to the runway there is no room for a proper base leg and you may have to do a 180 turn . If you start too high you risk overshooting the field, if too low there is the tendency to force the turn with rudder with the risk of a skidding turn at low speed and altitude.
I just want to quote Tom Knauff in his book After Solo:
"If you fly too close during the downwind leg, you will not be able to have a reasonable length base leg, and only have room for a 180 degree turn.The base leg is probably the most important of all the legs, when trying to make an accurate landing. A proper base leg will allow adjustments by using the spoilers and/or turning slightly away from or towards the field to help adjust for height. While flying on the downwind leg, keep a distance that allows you to be at least 45 degrees to the field, and better yet, 30 degrees. The important thing, is not the angle you are from the field, but the understanding that being too close makes it impossible to have a reasonable base leg."
Notice the "better yet, 30 degrees"