IT was one of Hampshire’s longest- running planning controversies.

But now cut-price supermarket chain Aldi has opened its Winchester store after nearly ten years of trying.

At its height the row even sparked allegations that the city was too posh for the German retailer after planners rejected the Aldi scheme four times before a planning inspector backed plans in 2009 after a second public inquiry.

The trader’s struggle contrasted with the relative ease with which upmarket Waitrose gained permission for a similar-sized store in 2007 on land next door.

Opponents denied that snobbery was behind their criticisms saying it was that the store – on the site of the former Chimneys pub off Burnett Close in Weeke – was in the wrong place.

Yesterday shoppers turned out in force to welcome Aldi to the city.

Around 20 people queued at the entrance waiting for the doors to open at 8am.

Inside there were balloons, free cookies and complimentary trolley tokens.

Dennis Dominey, 66, of Andover Road, said: “It’s the best thing that’s happened to Winchester. I’ve got myself a coffee maker and some other bargains. All the prices in town are excessive.”

Store manager Richard Laughlin said: “There was a fantastic buzz down at the store this morning. It was great to see so many people down here for our opening event.”

The store has created 27 jobs, including manager, assistant manager, and 25 shop assistants, with most of those going to local residents.