A total of 34 homes could be built on the site of a derelict care home in New Malden.

Hobkirk House, in New Malden town centre, has been empty since 2017 and is due to be completely demolished.

Developer RAA7 Ltd has submitted plans to build 34 flats in a building up to five storeys tall on the site on Blagdon Road.

This includes 17 two-bed homes and 17 three-bed homes, along with a communal garden, private gardens, balconies and two disabled parking spaces.

CGI of the plans for Hobkirk House, Blagdon Road, New Malden. (Credit: RAA PLANNING LTD, provided in Kingston Council documents)

Kingston Council approved plans in 2022 to demolish Hobkirk House and the Noble Centre, a neighbouring physiotherapy practice, to accommodate the expansion of Burlington Junior School.

Part of the site is being used to provide extra play space needed by the school as it is moving from four to five forms of entry, while remaining land was sold to RAA7 Ltd with the agreement it would demolish both buildings – this has recently begun.

The developer originally submitted plans last year to replace Hobkirk House with 36 homes, but the council rejected the application after ruling it would not suit the area.

Key changes made in the latest proposals include cutting the number of homes from 36 to 34 and reducing the overall footprint of the building.

Application documents said the proposed development would provide much-needed two-bed homes to allow older residents to downsize, along with three-bed homes for families in an accessible location.

The documents added: "The new development is well designed and optimises a wider than average vacant/derelict urban site to deliver new residential dwellings to meet Kingston Council's housing needs.

"The accessibility of the site and quality of accommodation onsite supports the proposed density.

"The development will deliver 34 new dwellings within proximity to New Malden High Street shops and amenities, schools, nurseries, park, bus and railway services.

"Of these, 50 per cent will be family dwellings, which adds significant benefits given the need for family accommodation which is close to schools, parks and local services."

Kingston Council will decide on the plans in due course.