Traders have expressed concern that the proposed opening of a new supermarket could harm independent businesses in a shopping district.

Morrisons confirmed last week it wants to open a new branch at the site of the former tax office - known as Charteris House - in Charteris Road by The Broadway in Woodford Green.

The spot already has planning permission to be demolished and rebuilt for retail use with flats, but developers submitted slightly tweaked plans to Redbridge Councill last month.

The news comes just over two years after independent shopkeepers unsuccessfully fought against plans by Sainsbury's to open a new 'Local' branch in The Broadway.

Traders who spoke to the Guardian said they had similar fears again this time but were resigned to the new business opening.

Raj Madlani, owner of Jay Jay Stores and Budgens in The Broadway, said: “Sainsbury’s has had an impact on the shops here and of course Morrisons will as well, but there is not much we can do about it. 

“It already has planning for a shop and the new planning application is for minor adjustments, I can’t see them having any major problems from the council with it".

He added: "With the larger chain convenience stores it may appear they offer a vast choice, but in fact we can offer a wider variety of products and in many cases we are cheaper. 

"For thirty years Jay Jay Stores has offered a personalised service to a great number of local people. Our staff who have been with us from the beginning value our customers and they are on first name terms with most of them".

Chris Tomkis, owner of Kistrucks Bakeries in The Broadway, said he agreed independent businesses could survive by offering a real alternative to chains, but was pessimistic about the long-term prospects.

He said: "I personally don't see a whole lot of hope for the area.

"Sainsbury's has had an impact but we're not doing too badly because we are an artisan bakery and have good service with a friendly face over the counter - I'm hoping that that will pull us through.

"But we've been here since 1952 and it is a worry that the specialist traders are getting weeded out.

"Another problem is the increase in trafic wardens and spy cars, the parking is bad and it has had an impact on footfall.

"Unfortunately there's no one solution, and it is very difficult, especially in a recession."