The Seattle Goliath’s “application” to replace the characteristic green-tiled frontage of the former Alliance and Leicester branch has been given the thumbs-up by town planners – even though workmen already completed the work weeks ago.

West Berkshire Councillors are being asked to agree to the refit, despite strong opposition from town heritage watchdog the Newbury Society, and Newbury Town Council.

Before the 300-year-old Anchor pub was bulldozed to make way for the present shop in 1988, town planners had fought tooth and nail to retain the distinctive Victorian frontage, after widespread concern that Newbury was losing its character.

This time, the planners will tell councillors at Wednesday’s planning committee meeting: “While the loss of tiles is regrettable, they are not considered a major contribution to this modern building nor to the character of this part of Northbrook Street”.

Before Starbucks set up shop, concern was mounting about what’s left of Newbury’s heritage, after builders all but flattened the 18th century Wharf Street Hall, leaving only a wall.

Conservation rules aside, the committee has in the past taken a dim view of food and drink outlets setting up in the main shopping areas – it turned away Wetherspoon from the former Beatties toyshop in Cheap Street five years ago.

The meeting in the district chamber, Market Street, Newbury, starts at 6.30pm