SIR - I am writing to express concern over two signs which have appeared in the historically exceptional High Street in Winchester.

These are the very large and, in my view, visually intrusive sign to the new Next store (the former Somerfield store site), and the poor signage to the new Starbucks coffee house (poor in the detailing of the sign boards, their colour - a brash green - and the quality of the lettering).

The Local Plan Review, Policy HE.11 rightly commits the council to paying particular attention' to such matters before granting permission.

Paragraph 5.34 goes on to say: "The signage of buildings can greatly affect their appearance. In Conservation Areas, in particular, careful control over the design, form, size, location and materials used for signs is needed, to ensure they are in keeping with the area and the buildings to which they are fixed."

Winchester High Street is not only within a Conservation Area, it is fundamentally a medieval high street of national importance. Signs are amongst important details that can preserve or enhance such historic areas.

In my view, as someone with a passion for our historic places in general and Winchester in particular, these signs do not accord with this policy.

Good lettering design for shop fronts is something that planning departments can encourage.

This should be done in Winchester.

Michael Underwood (BArch, MSc, RIBA, AABC, IHBC), Christchurch Road, Winchester.