Ambulance workers, firefighters and bin men could struggle to reach homes proposed for a new East Molesey housing development, it has been claimed.

A planning application to build 51 affordable new homes in School Road, reached through a narrow access road, has been submitted to Elmbridge Council by Paragon Community Housing Group this month.

The combined site of Molesey Centre for the Community and Sandra House with nearby Radnor House in Hansler Grove, could be demolished to make way for the new homes, with just one small road to get in and out.

But frustrated residents have said cars already struggle to pass through. They also claim proper weight has not been given to the numbers that will need entry into the site with flats and maisonettes of one, two and three bedrooms proposed.

Elaine Klander, of School Road, said: “It is probably the narrowest road in East Molesey. It’s going to be chaotic.

“If there were to be an ambulance or a fire engine they would struggle.”

The width of a fire engine is about 2.5m with an ambulance slightly smaller at about 2.4m.

But Elmbridge Council has a target to deliver at least 1,150 affordable homes by 2026.

An objector to the proposal said: “While many residents are sympathetic with the need to provide social housing within the borough of Elmbridge, it is imperative that to provide for one cannot be at the expense of another.”

Adam Findlay, of Challoners Close at the end of School Road, has also drawn up a letter for concerned residents to send on to the council.

It reads: “Two cars of average width will need four metres for minimal clearance, a delivery vehicle, emergency services and refuse collection will need significantly more.”

The road itself is a tight squeeze at 5.5m wide, he said.

Molesey South Councillor Victor Eldridge said there were “a lot of worries” about the impact of developments in the area. He would need to read the documents more carefully, he said.

Out of the buildings affected only Sandra House is currently still in use, lived in exclusively by nurses, NHS staff, teachers, police officers, prison service and probation service staff. Paragon has offered to help support their relocation.

Elderly users of the Molesey Centre for the Community have already moved up the road to Mole Hall and former care home Radnor House has been empty for some years.

Although a Paragon spokesman was unable to directly address worries surrounding the narrow access road, she said “We have looked again at the public highway and concerns that were raised regarding traffic”.

The development would provide “much-needed” affordable housing for the borough, she added.

Comments on the planning application can be made on the council’s website until September 4.