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I have made it clear from the onset that I expected Aldi to deliver a design in keeping with the Northern Sector, yet I still have a number of concerns: 1 – There is a loss of a significant band of landscaping which will make the building appear to close to the edge of Thamesdown Drive, as opposed to sitting more comfortably within a more mature landscaped setting. 2 – The principal material will be pre cast concrete painted white which is of an unacceptable quality.
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3 - The design brief for the site (which was adopted by the Council in 2004) states that the architectural character must be modern high quality "hi-tech" in appearance using for example tubular steel, sheet cladding, curtain walling, glass, powder coated finishes, include exposed steel framing, flashes of colour, undulating roof forms and modular forms of construction. Although they are proposing some polyester powder coated aluminium detailing on the main shop front and entrance, white painted concrete does not fit in with this design requirement. I would suggest in the very least, the principal colour should be grey to harmonise with Motorola and David Lloyd.
In summary, I and local residents have reason to be concerned over the quality of design even if the principle of development is considered acceptable.
Justin Tomlinson
North Swindon Conservative MP
www.justintomlinson.com