Aldi’s application to expand along Winsover Road. The plan shows a thoughtful re-allocation of parking for disabled people and parents with children, and keeps the important pedestrian access from Winsover Road (unlike the deplorable B&M across the road). But it beggars belief that the store thinks it will be “respecting and enhancing the environmental context” by obliterating its quality brickwork with white render or replacing it with aluminium board covered in jumbo apples and tomatoes. It begins to feel like an SF horror film, with the town invaded by gigantic fruit and sausages. You wouldn’t think the Aldi directors would have wanted to appear to be lining themselves up with the kind of mini-markets the police raid for contraband cigarettes and spirits. They should look at Wilko’s to see how stores can make attractive use of windows without losing floor space. (We have objected to the gross vinyls and loss of quality brickwork.)