Plans to convert an old care home in Shortlands into shared housing have been submitted to Bromley Council.

Stoneridge Shortlands Ltd wants to change the Victorian villa in Shortlands Road into a nine-bedroom development.

HMOs – houses of multiple occupation – have at least three people living in one household, sharing a bathroom or kitchen facilities with other tenants.

This application would be for a large HMO, which is defined as having at least five tenants.

These set-ups have hit the headlines over concerns of poor conditions, leading to the government cracking down on landlords without proper licensing.

The care home has been empty since last year, and the developer said its proposals comply with the council’s standards for HMOs.

The proposed development would mean five one-bed and four two-bed rooms, and six car parking spaces.

The tenants would all be sharing a kitchen.

The developers said: “The proposal will retain the character and appearance of the dwelling and the proposed use will make a useful contribution towards housing supply and choice.”

The application is being considered by council officers.