Both sides battling over the future of a Winchester coffee bar clashed at a public inquiry this week.

Representatives from Caff Nero were explaining to the inspector why they opened a store without approval from planners.

Finance director, Ben Price, faced the authority with a blue Caff Nero container sitting prominently on his desk.

While across the room, Trevor Ward, for Winchester City Council, made less of his choice of beverage. His cup from rival trader, Reeve the Baker, was placed at his feet.

Caff Nero opened in High Street, Winchester, in May 2003. The council objected, arguing that their unit should be dedicated to retailing and not restaurant use.

The franchise coffee chain said their operation had more in common with a sandwich bar, which counts as retailing, rather than a pub or restaurant.

Armed with a petition signed by over 3,000 customers, Caff Nero applied for retrospective planning permission.

Earlier last month, city council members refused the application, which led to the public inquiry.

At the hearing, held in Winchester on Tuesday, Mr Price said they operated 190 coffee bars in Britain.

He added that the firm dealt with more than 60 local authorities and few had complained about converting shops into coffee bars.

"The great majority of these councils have never queried our use, accepting that we bring vitality to the area."

Mr Price told the inquiry that their outlet in Winchester was popular, and served over 5,000 customers a week.

"The current presence of Caff Nero is a clear benefit."

Steve Arnold, a planning consultant hired by the firm, said the coffee bar attracted extra shoppers to Winchester.

He added that food made up only a small proportion of sales at the outlet, and very little cooking was done on the premises.

"In taking all these factors into account, the change of use alleged by the planning authority has not occurred," he argued.

Mr Ward dismissed Mr Arnold's idea that Caff Nero drew extra shoppers into Winchester.

"It's the flagship stores that attract people to a town, that's where they go shopping."

He said the coffee bar was superfluous, as there were similar traders nearby, such as Caf Centro and Reeve the Baker.

"Why is there a need to have a coffee bar in this area which is already well served?"

Outside the inquiry, Mr Price said even if the inspector supported the council, Caff Nero would continue trading.

He explained that by closing the coffee bar's seating area, they would definitely qualify for retail use. If this were put into practice, takeaways would form the bulk of their trade.

Government planning inspector, David Pinner, is expected to reach a decision within a few weeks.