Neighbours are worried that a new nursery could traffic chaos and lead to an accident.

Asquith Nurseries has applied to turn a residential home into a nursery in Longdown Lane South, Epsom Downs.

But the move has sparked concern from some people living nearby, who fear there will not be enough car parking spaces for the 70 children attending.

A planning application submitted to Epsom and Ewell Council said: "As the existing property is currently vacant our client, Asquith Nurseries, intends to put this property back into good use providing a new childcare  facility within this community.

"Proposals include altering the internal layout of the property to create large open rooms for the children to play and be supervised sufficiently.

"There is a standard ratio for child to area space to ensure that overcrowding does not occur and that all children are adequately supervised by staff members."

The house was previously owned by the NHS as a care home for seven disabled children, but has been vacant for some time.

Currently there are just five car parking spaces available outside the building, which is located close to Epsom Golf Club.

Daryn Grossmith, 45, a product specialist who lives nearby, said he has witnessed two accidents in the road and is worried about the impact on traffic.

He said: "We walk over there frequently and there have been two serious accidents where people have been badly injured. It is known as an accident black spot.

"Our friends are very concerned, there is already cars parked on the sides of the roads. It is an accident waiting to happen."

Dr James Wilson, of Longdown Road South, commented online: "My concern is that cars with young children would park on the verge or back out onto the road which is very busy especially in the rush hour when a significant proportion of the children would be arriving. 

“Cars regularly exceed the 30 mph speed limit in this part of Longdown Lane South and there have been a number of accidents. The situation is potentially very dangerous."

The planning application will be discussed at a future meeting.

Article from Alexandra Rucki at yourlocalguardian