Winchester planners have been warned against the dangers of building a superstore in the proposed Friarsgate development.

Harvey Cole, the former county councillor, speaking for the City of Winchester Trust, told a meeting of the Winchester District Local Plan Committee yesterday: "There is a proposal to add a store of 3000 square metres, 2000 in sales area.

"This is a food store, getting on for the size of the one at Badger Farm - but in the middle of Winchester. Is that what you want in the middle of the city?"

However Steve Bee, the director of development services, said: "It's not intended all of that would be in the development.

"We are not expecting a very large food store being located in the town centre."

Another person commenting was Judith Martin, also a member of the City of Winchester Trust, who outlined her case for keeping the antiques market in the centre of Friarsgate. She said: "The campaign to keep it seems to be growing legs, and I beg that it be included in the new development."

Another issued raised, this time by Hampshire County Councillor Phrynette Dickens, was for the planners to ensure adequate parking facilities were installed next to the medical centres so disabled people received easier access to the centre.