SUPERMARKET giant Tesco insists it intends to build a controversial store on a historic Hampshire estate – despite recording a fall in profits.

There was uproar in Romsey last year as the firm lodged plans to build a superstore on Lord Brabourne’s Broadlands Estate.

It was announced this week that Tesco’s pre-tax profits had fallen for the first time in 20 years – falling 51 per cent to £1.96 billion.

The downturn has forced the company to review its UK property portfolio, in which it identified more than 100 sites to build new stores, which will now be scrapped.

But Tesco confirmed to the Daily Echo it has no intention to withdraw plans to transform a six-acre site known as the Fairground Field into a store to include a 400-space car park.

The decision disappointed campaigners against Tesco establishing business near the market town.

Jill Diamond, from the campaign group Say No to Tesco, said the group will continue to campaign against the plans.

She said: “I definitely think it should be one of the stores that are being rethought.

“The idea of sticking a megastore next to the entrance of a stately home in itself shouldn’t be allowed, and on a grade one listed country park is criminal.”

In September last year more than 200 people packed out Romsey Town Hall to discuss the plans at a public meeting.

Tesco say the supermarket will bring back more than 50 per cent of residents who shop elsewhere, and provide 200 jobs as a result.

But David Willox, joint-president of the Romsey Chamber of Commerce, said the horse meat scandal may have affected Tesco’s profits.