A former care home closed following a damning watchdog inspection which could be turned into 20 flats.

Benedict House in Copers Cope Road closed as a care home in 2016 following a critical Care Quality Commission report.

The building has since been converted for temporary housing under a temporary planning use.

Developers have now eyed up the site, suggesting that a permanent housing development would bring the large Victorian building back into use.

In their planning application, Project Beckenham said: “The proposed development will bring a former care home back into useful occupation, helping to deliver much needed housing whilst enhancing the amenity of the Application Site and wider area.

“The existing layout could however be converted to residential apartments to meet all current design standards for residential accommodation.”

The developers have proposed 20 apartments with ten “unallocated parking spaces”, and space to store bikes.

A previous plan to convert the care home in 23 new homes was withdrawn earlier this year.

According to the developers, this was over issues with the standard of accommodation and the impact the development would have had on neighbours.

In 2016, plans to convert the care home into a support centre and accommodation for parents with vulnerable young children and adults were approved by the council.

Permission for that development is set to lapse from March next year, according to council documents.

The building currently has 41 bedrooms, offices and five kitchen dining areas.