STRONG concerns have been raised over plans to create three flats above and behind the old Co-op pharmacy shop at 259 High Street, Epping.

Plans submitted to Epping Forest District Council also propose the installation of a new shop front, and these have also sparked objections. Town councillors say the shopfront was a notable part of the High Street.

Councillor Olive Dunseath said: "I know they've done their best with the design but it doesn't really match up with what has been there in the past."

The plans will see a flat shopfront design rather than the current bay-window style.

Proposals also detail a conversion to revert to a former residential two-bedroom flat above the shop, a second conversion to create a two-bedroom flat in a rear building and the construction of a one-bedroomed flat over the shop.

The shop is Grade II listed but the shop front, which is a copy of the original one and only about 30 years old, does not have listed status. Councillors have also raised concerns about the flats being built in the High Street location.

As well as concerns over parking, they said the flats would be next to the council's market garage and residential use nearby could clash with the setting up of the Monday market.

A final decision will be taken by the district council.