Traders remain concerned over the council’s Manor Street redevelopment designs, it has been claimed.

As part of the scheme a 110-space car park and a bus station with 11 spaces will be created.

But Antony White, of Anthony Mark Barbers, is worried the current plans will create more problems than they solve - particularly for market sellers.

“The new car park will not accommodate the market traders vehicles due to low headroom,” he said.

“I was told they could park in other car parks around the perimeter of town.

“When I asked which car parks, the only suggestion was Braintree Station - I am not sure how that will work with commuters’ needs.”

Mr White, who supports the principle of the development, worries the spaces will be taken by hotel guests and patients of the new surgery.

He believes changes to the bus park will make things worse for passengers.

He said: “Plans show the buses parking end-on, along the length of the old community centre.

“This will require them to drive in and reverse out, with a newly created risk of collision.

"Currently passengers line up along the length of each bus stop under canopies.

“With parking side-by-side I would suggest there will be a shortage of space for passengers to wait.”

Braintree Council said the plans would “significantly increase” capacity at the bus depot.

A spokesman said Transit-size vehicles will be able to access the car park.

She added: “Clearly the amount and use of parking in this location is of high importance we are giving it careful consideration together with partners.

"We are looking closely at the capacity of all our car parks and our Braintree Town Centre parking strategy will be ready later in the year.”