A DISTRICT council’s plans to turn a public square into a car park are unlawful, it has been claimed.

Manningtree councillors have exposed a covenant between the town council and Tendring Council which states Market Square must be kept as an open space.

Tendring Council is expected to pass an application to permanently turn the square into a car park on Sunday – Thursday after a 28 day trial was praised by decision makers.

Lee Lay-Flurrie, one of the Manningtree councillors which signed the covenant in 1978, said ignoring the legal document meant the council is taking away people’s right to an open space.

Councillors are frustrated after noticing cars frequently parked beyond the three hour limit during the trial, as well as spotting damage to the ground due to increased traffic.

But businesses reported the free parking was a boost for trade.

Neil Stock, leader of Tendring Council, said Manningtree was “out of touch” with what residents wanted.

The decision will go to Tendring Council’s planning committee. A decision is expected to be made by the end of March.