A complaint is to be lodged by North Berwick Community Council about plans to remove parking and alter the east end of the town’s High Street.

The community council took issue with the impact assessment produced by East Lothian Council in regards to planned changes on the street.

Members voiced concerns that the views of businesses or shoppers were not represented in the impact report and that no flaws in the plan were acknowledged.

Additionally, the group claimed that, since the assessment was conducted “in house”, it failed to stand up to scrutiny.

The plans were approved by East Lothian Council at its April meeting, despite opposition from local businesses and the community council.

The proposals will see parking spaces removed between the junctions of Market Place and Quality Street, with the addition of double yellow lines on both sides of High Street.

Additionally, paved areas for pedestrians will be extended along the east end of the main street – doubling the pavement area in some spots.

Community councillors agreed that changes were long overdue but stressed that the removal of all parking would negatively affect independent businesses.

The group had already launched a petition about the plans but, having gathered about 500 signatures, discussed lodging a formal complaint.

Christiane Maher, community councillor, said: “I say we lodge a formal complaint and see where we go from there, about the inadequacy of the impact assessment.”

Judy Lockhart-Hunter agreed with Professor Maher’s complaint proposal, adding that the plan as it stood was “not fit for purpose”.

An East Lothian Council spokesperson said: “Some inappropriate (not permitted) parking does occur, particularly on the east section, and the proposed works will rationalise this.

“Loading bays/drop-off bays will be in place.

“A full equalities impact assessment was completed which reflected that sections of the community could be affected by the proposed changes and so all sections of the community, including shoppers and businesses, were invited to contribute to the consultation process.”

The group took a vote on lodging a complaint with the council.

A majority backed the motion and it was agreed to send a letter regarding the alleged inadequacies of the impact assessment.