Winchester residents have had the first opportunity to question developers on the £100m scheme that will transform the city centre.

About 100 people crammed into the St Lawrence Hall to hear developer Michael Cappoci speak about the Broadway-Friarsgate scheme.

Thornfield Properties wants to build more than 350 homes, 41 shops, a new bus station and public spaces.

Architect Paul Appleton said his vision was to "rediscover" Winchester rather than disturb the ancient city.

The medieval street pattern would be recreated and the hidden waterways opened up after decades in culverts, he said.

But some people were unhappy about the high density of homes. Environmental campaigner Keith Story said: "This sort of density - 350 units - will increase stress and mental instability and violent crime."

Mr Cappoci said that the density was well within planning guidelines. "The conditions that you describe are where houses are factory-built boxes," he said. "What we have is a complete selection of flats and buildings - it's quality that's important."

Mr Story said he was also concerned by the large number of rats coming out of the drains and sewers during construction. Mr Cappoci said rats were a familiar problem that would be dealt with.

Nigel Cogger, consulting engineer, asked whether there was room for offices and office supply-type retail facilities within the development.

"It's supposed to be mixed development but it's only retail and residential," he said.

Mr Cappoci said he wouldn't dismiss the idea if there was sufficient demand.

The event was organised by Winchester City Residents' Association and was the beginning of a wide-reaching consultation between developers and the public on the massive five-year project before it gets under way in two years' time.

Mr Cappoci said other meetings and exhibitions would take place with groups including the City of Winchester Trust and the chamber of commerce.

He added: "We will be consulting with the general public over the coming months to ensure they contribute to the evolution of the design."