VILLAGERS have expressed their fears over a bid to open a new nursery in Ashtead.
An application has been made to Mole Valley District Council by Lynn Mee to change the use of 64 Leatherhead Road from residential to commercial, so she can open a "home from home" pre-school.
But fears over parking and congestion on Leatherhead Road have led to 59 letters objecting to the scheme being sent to the council's planning team.
In her letter of objection, Leatherhead Road resident Mollie Baggs wrote: "This doesn't seem a well thought-out idea.
"The A24 is a very busy main road, particularly at rush hour and school times. The road is commonly known for long queues and is very difficult for residents getting out of their drives at these times."
In a letter on behalf of the Ashtead Residents' Association, Roger Bennett, the association's planning officer, said: "We are aware that there is a desperate need for nursery facilities in Ashtead, and clearly the proposal would have the support of many young families who currently travel further afield to acquire child care."
But he continued: "We do have reservations about the location, being a residence situated on the busy A24. Currently vehicle queues frequently along this part of the road leading to the traffic signals at Ermyn Way."
The nursery bid comes after it was announced that Butterflies Nursery in Stonny Croft will close in July to make way for a new reception class at The Greville Primary School, with which it shares a site.
If successful, Mrs Mee plans to hold a morning session from 8.45am to noon to cater for 3 and 4-year-olds, and an afternoon session from 12.15pm to 3.30pm for 2-year-olds, with each session accommodating up to 30 children.
And speaking to the Advertiser this week, Epsom resident Mrs Mee said: "There is a desperate need for early years education, and it's about finding somewhere with the least impact possible.
"Obviously it is going to impact on somebody, but people need to just trust that I know what I'm doing and let me give it a go."
Mrs Mee, a qualified primary school teacher, has been working in early years education for the past 15 years in Surrey, most recently helping to establish Shining Stars nursery at Wallace Fields School in Ewell.
But she left the nursery 18 months ago with the intention of setting up her own business.
Mrs Mee continued: "There is no real money to be made in early years education.
"It's a vocation for me. It's a dream. It's something I have always wanted to do. I am absolutely passionate about educating young children. It's vital we get the early years right.
"There's no central money to provide early years education, so unless somebody invests privately it's not going to happen."
