An industrial estate in East Molesey could see its unused space transformed into nearly 100 homes.

A planning application has been submitted to turn Imber Court Trading Estate in Orchard Lane into a residential development with 95 one to four-bedroom houses and flats – 38 of which are set to become affordable homes.

The move would see the existing industrial buildings, covering 16,618sq m, demolished to make way for the housing development.

Brij Kotecha said in the East and West Molesey Facebook group: “A well planned decent new development there [maybe not that many] instead of a rundown industrial estate doesn’t sound like a bad idea... It’s a good spot near the river completely under-utilised.”

The application has been put forward by Wates Developments Limited & Coal Pension Properties.

A petition on change.org has gathered 59 signatures from residents opposed to residential use for the land.

Toby Stevenson, creator of the campaign, said on the petition online: “For me, some development is inevitable and, in the medium-term, welcome. The trading estate as it currently stands adds nothing to the area. However, the proposed plans feel like they go too far with the currently intended number of units to be built.”

The stretched demand on existing public services, increased traffic flow and a change in the character of the area were other reasons not to go forward with the plans, he added.

Francesca Damiani, of Wates Developments, said: “The application submission includes a wide mix of homes, green spaces and a play area on this under-utilised brownfield site. The provision of 40 per cent affordable housing for both affordable rent and shared ownership will make a significant contribution to addressing local housing need.

“We thank the local community for helping us shape our planning submission and look forward to engaging with residents further in the future.”