There is lots of debate about the proposed Sainsbury's in Ambleside. I totally appreciate the concerns of shopkeepers in the village that they might lose trade.

But the parish council's main reason for opposing the proposal is that it is not in keeping with the character of Ambleside (Gazette, February 13, ‘Thumbs down for store plan’).

Looking at the photograph above could someone explain how the alien spaceship and aircraft hanger which is Hayes and the building site at the back are in keeping with Ambleside's character?

The Sainsbury's next door won't even be noticed.

Tony Martin

Ambleside