The conversion of Epping Methodist Church into a nursery unit is facing concerns over potential traffic issues, however no official objections have been made regarding the plans.

Kate Hersey, director of Chrysalis Day Nursery and Pre-school in Loughton, has applied for the premises to be operational between 7.30am and 6.30pm from Monday to Friday.

Nigel Avey, planning and general purposes committee chairman, said: "We are extremely concerned about the volume of traffic there is likely to be and the amount of traffic which could become dangerous."

Another councillor, Christine Burgess, added: "I don't think it's a good idea at all.

"I think it will cause utter chaos with cars coming in and out."

Councillor Michael Wright voiced concerns over the likelihood of vehicles parked on the green, fearing it will be churned up by the activity.

Elsewhere, the town council objected to plans for 12 tables and 44 chairs to be positioned outside the forthcoming 'Carpino Lounge' café/bar.

Proposed to open in the former Barclays Bank premises next month, the council argued the seating could obstruct Mondays' Royal Charter market setup and operation.

The pavement licence application seeks permission for outdoor seating use between 8am and 10pm from Monday to Sunday.

The council has expressed unease over the potential interruption of 'community space' used for the market.

The successful operation of the market is protected by the Royal Charter that grants Epping's market its Monday positioning without hindrance or delay.

The council is seeking to hold a meeting with the café/bar applicant to discuss the issue further.

Meanwhile, the conversion of the former Citizens Advice offices at 50A Hemnall Street into two residential units has not received any objections from the town council.

Elsewhere, the council showed concern over access to the proposed new three-storey block of nine flats on part of the car park behind the former Barclays Bank building.

Councillor Nigel Avey noted an "interesting juxtaposition" between the proposed development and a community centre with flats proposed by St John's Church next to the church.

He cautiously said: "We should be supporting brownfield development, but whether or not this is the right site.

"For once we have a flats development that has the right number of parking spaces."

Nine dedicated parking spaces have been proposed for the flats.

The council has raised no objections to the planning application to demolish the existing chalet bungalow at Wyldingtree, 66 The Plain, Epping and replace it with three four-bedroom detached houses.

The new plan follows previous refusals and architects MP Chartered Architects state that they have taken 'a new, fresh approach to this application'.

An abridged version of the document submitted with the application states: "We have reduced the number of proposed dwellings from four (two pairs of semi-detached houses) to three detached dwellings.

"The design of the properties has also changed from a townhouse style to a detached, hipped roof property."

The proposals include off-road parking and garden space.

The final decision on each development proposed will be taken by Epping Forest District Council.