Planners met a crowd of protesters when they visited the former Kleeneze factory in Hanham to see where Tesco wants to build a supermarket.

Placard-waving campaigners who are opposing the plan met the sites inspection panel from South Gloucestershire Council to make sure their voices were heard.

About 70 people gathered in Anstey's Road to look at the plans brought by council officials and to present their case.

A number of them addressed councillors and appealed to them to reject the scheme when it goes to a meeting on December 10.

One of two women present who said they were in favour of the proposal also put their side of the argument.

But others highlighted the disturbance the store would create for surrounding homes, extra traffic using what they said were unsuitable roads, light pollution from the supermarket and the danger to children walking to and from schools.

Councillor Colin Hunt, who chaired the panel, said to the residents: "We are only here today to view the site, not to make any decisions. We have had a lot or correspondence from you and we will take everything into account."

Hanham parish councillor Patrick Berry said there had been "huge" opposition.

He told those gathered: "Access to the supermarket car park would be right here where we are standing – situated right up against these houses. Imagine the amount of traffic going in and out that would come down this road. It would be absolutely intolerable."

He dismissed claims that Tesco shoppers would visit the High Street and claimed businesses there would be badly hit. He said there were more appropriate uses for the land, such as keeping it as a light industrial site or for housing.

Peter Begley, of Kings Drive, accused Tesco of ignoring the community by not sending anyone to the meeting.

He said he was especially worried about the amount of traffic and the danger it would pose to schoolchildren. John Ireland, of Hunters Close, said it would be irresponsible to bring articulated delivery lorries into the area when Hanham High Street had already been identified as having a high accident rate.

But Barbara Tipping, of Whittucks Road, said Tesco would be an asset, offering greater choice and providing jobs.

Tesco bought the site six years ago but withdrew plans for a 45,000 sq ft store after planners recommended refusal. It now wants to put a 28,000 sq ft building on the land and create 230 parking spaces and business workshops.