A community blighted by traffic problems has reacted angrily after German firm Aldi won its battle to build a supermarket in a congested corner of Oxford.

Neighbours in Botley Road claim the store, which will be built next to Toys R Us, could lead to an increase in traffic on one of the city's busiest routes.

A Government planning inspector yesterday gave Aldi the go-ahead to build a 1,225 sq m supermarket - the size of an Olympic swimming pool - following a public inquiry.

The Environment Agency and Oxford City Council had objected to plans for a bigger store because of concerns over flooding. The area bore the brunt of severe flooding in the city last summer.

But both organisations were happier with the scheme for a smaller size shop.

The planning inspectorate approved plans for the smaller store, which lies 120 metres to the east of Seacourt Stream.

Aldi got the nod after agreeing to lower the ground around the development to increase the storage capacity for potential floodwater.

But neighbours are still worried about the plan - and some have pledged not to shop there.

Marion Smith, 79, of Botley Road said: "We will not be shopping there. We are very much against the development.

"It is difficult enough getting out of our driveway on a morning as it is.

"You get such queues coming out of Toys R' Us some days it's just horrendous."

Beatris Macey, also of Botley Road, said: "It's bound to increase the congestion here. People do food shopping more frequently than furniture, toy or electrical shopping."

Traffic figures show an average of 23,800 vehicles travel into Oxford along Botley Road every day.

Neighbours fear a supermarket will attract many new shoppers to the area.

Concerns about highway safety were raised at the inquiry, but a transport assessment judged the supermarket would have a negligible effect on traffic levels.

City councillor and Lord Mayor Susanna Pressel said: "I cannot understand why the traffic experts did not think this will greatly increase traffic on the Botley Road.

"They should understand it is not just congested at rush hour. I feel sorry for everyone who lives and works in the area, but I realise some people might be pleased about a reasonably priced food outlet opening."

Aldi has been told to limit delivery times to 7.30am to 7.30pm Monday to Saturday, and 9am to 6pm on Sundays. It must also donate £10,000 to West Oxford cycle route improvements.

Aldi property manager Richard Williams welcomed the decision but could not say when the new store would open.