Villagers living near a new supermarket that has fences topped with barbed wire say it is like being in a prison camp.

The shop has been built feet away from homes in Warren Way, Barnham, near Bognor.

Homeowners claim they only discovered the Barnham Trading Post store was being built when they saw an old unit at the site being demolished.

Outline planning permission was granted by Arun District Council in July 2001 and the shop opened last month.

Residents claim no notices were posted in their street informing them about the plans so they did not object to the council.

If they had, councillors could have blocked the scheme.

Nurse Christine Glanville, 45, of Warren Way, was told by estate agents the supermarket had reduced the value of her semi-detached home by £10,000.

Her back garden is next to the rear entrance of the shop, where there are huge bins and a noisy compacting machine.

Workers can see into the window of her back bedroom and she is kept awake by large extractor fans and lighting.

She said: "My home was perfect before the shop was built but my peace and quiet have been ruined.

"I cannot entertain in my garden because of the smells from the bins and the noise from the machines and workers.

"I have no privacy. I moved here because I wanted to live in a rural village but now I feel like I am living in Colditz."

Neighbour Adrian Fosberry's home backs on to the car park.

Mr Fosberry, 48, said: "There is constant noise and car fumes are being pumped into our garden. I have a right to peace and quiet in my own home."

Residents are planning to lodge a complaint against the council with an ombudsman.

Councillor Jean Goad, chairwoman of the development control committee, said: "Notices were put up near the site to let people know what was going on and we advertised in a local paper.

"I am trying to find out if a notice was placed in this street and I apologise on behalf of the council if it wasn't."

Trading Post is family run and used to occupy a smaller site close to the new building.

Director Scott Stroud said: "We went through the proper channels to get full planning permission and our customers are pleased we have reopened."

Monday July 28, 2003