BUILDING a cut-price supermarket on the site of a former pub will ruin the character of the area, protesters claim.

Residents in Weeke are fighting plans by Aldi to demolish Chimneys in Burnett Close off Stockbridge Road, and build an 850sq m store.

Plans for the scheme also include a new dental surgery above the shop, demolishing the nearest house in Burnett Close, and 79 car parking spaces.

Householders are objecting to the modern style "blue and white box-like monstrosity", which they say is out of character with the area.

Brian Wareham, co-ordinator of The Chimneys Group, which fought to save the pub, has leafleted nearby residents.

Mr Wareham, of Burnett Close, said: "Burnett Close is a quiet residential road. Aldi seem to think the site would be an extension of the commercial garage and shop in Stockbridge Road, but it's not -- it's enroaching upon a third of Burnett Close."

Residents are worried about additional traffic at the Stoney Lane, Dean Lane and Stockbridge Road junction, as well noise and light pollution.

Another resident, who did not want to be named, said: "The applicant's own agents estimate the car park will have around 1,800 car movements a day, and in addition, delivery traffic will include a 44-tonne, 54ft articulated truck which may arrive at any time of day or night."

Other concerns include the possible threat to nearby convenience stores,including the Co-Op in Stoney Lane.

German-owned Aldi is looking to expand across the south. It already has stores in Southampton, Romsey, and Fareham.

Aldi says its aim is to create an "unobtrusive modern building", mostly on a single-storey, but with a smaller two-storey extension for the dental surgery.

Residents have until April 29 to comment on the scheme by writing to Winchester City Council's planning department in Colebrook Street.

A decision is expected in June.