MADAM – I am sure the Stroud planners must be pleased with the way that the assessment process of the three or four supermarket planning applications has been taking its time.

When the first application hit the headlines 18 months ago, there were clear signs that the supermarkets were about to suffer from some challenging times ahead.

Structural changes to the grocery market were beginning to take effect, and it was becoming obvious that the big four could not buy their way out of trouble with yet more large stores.

For many months now the business press has been reporting almost daily the problems and challenges ahead, and just recently Goldman Sachs, no less, has said that the big four really must get their acts together and start downsizing their properties.

Now, even the Co-op is about to dispose of many of its larger supermarkets, while Morrisons is said to be paying over the odds to buy into local convenience store locations.

Only Aldi and Lidl seem to be quietly prospering in their small corner by offering what the customer wants.

It is quite clear, therefore, that in due course the planning committee will actually be doing the three big applicants in Stroud a great favour by rejecting their plans.

No doubt there will be weasel words of protest, but privately the supermarkets will surely be breathing sighs of relief at their narrow escape.

Robert Crockford

Stonehouse