A group of squatters have taken over a house in Montpelier to stop it being turned into a shop.

And they have the support of people living nearby.

The former charity shop on the corner of Ashley Road and Picton Street has been used as an arts space known as the Magpie by musicians and artists for the past three years.

Owner Nicholas Mifsud wanted to demolish the premises and build a new shop on the site, although his plans have been turned down by councillors.

Protestors, who turned up to the council planning committee, said they feared the premises would be turned into a mini supermarket by one of the major chains.

They warned the move would kill off small family-run shops in Picton Street which were essential to encouraging a community spirit in the neighbourhood.

Anita Mason, who lives opposite the premises, said Montpelier had a character of its own.

She said: "Picton Street is a Georgian street which has a unique feel. This design looks like a beached nuclear submarine."

Jean Thurlow, another resident who lives nearby, said lorries would be turning up with deliveries to a new store.

She said they would park on the pavement and have to reverse out from Picton Street into busy Ashley Road.

Ben Pietersen, from the squat, said the premises were not a drugs den or a rat trap.

He said they were used by artists musicians as a workshop and meeting place.

Amanda Firth, for the owner, said the premises already had planning permission for retail use but the aim was to demolish the existing one and two-storey buildings and build a new two-storey store on the site.

Labour councillor Charlie Price said in an ideal world, they would want to keep the premises for community use but this plan was before them and they had to consider it on its merits.

Committee chair Tory Councillor Barbara Lewis said she was against the plan because it was harmful to the area.

She said she had visited the site and seen the problems caused by delivery lorries to the area.

Councillors voted against the plan by six votes to three.

But afterwards, Mr Mifsud said he would just refurbish the existing premises as they had permission for retail use.

He said they had no particular user in mind for the site if planning permission had been granted.