A £23m healthcare development could be mistaken for a pub because of its new name, residents fear.

The facility, on the current site of Beckenham Hospital, will be called the Beckenham Beacon following a naming competition run by the Bromley Primary Care Trust (PCT).

But the new name has brought a mixed reaction from residents, who fought to keep it simply Beckenham Hospital.

The trust admits out of 136 suggestions, 65 wanted it called Beckenham Hospital, but says keeping that name would fail to recognise changes being made to services.

The scheme, known as a Local Improvement Finance Trust (LIFT) and due for completion in 2008, will include GPs, a minor injuries unit, X-rays, blood testing and an outpatients clinic with campaigners still fighting to have intermediate care beds there.

Nick Carter, of the Copers Cope Residents' Association, said: "People will be confused about where their hospital services have gone and what the Beacon is.

"It also means a further waste of money on new signs, stationery and, of course, a new logo. For that, though, an old pub sign should do the trick."

Alan Freeman, of the West Beckenham Residents' Association, said: "It sounds like a pub name or even a local newspaper, nothing to do with medical treatment."

Beckenham heritage expert Cliff Watkins said: "The site no longer has hospital status only in the eyes of the bureaucrats in the local NHS. To Beckenham people it will always be a hospital."

The name judging criteria included signalling something new, reflecting services, avoiding the hospital institution image and connecting with the development's concept and function.

The selection panel also recommended local historical names should be used to identify different units in the new building.

Ward councillor Rod Reed called the decision "a kick in the teeth for public opinion".

But PCT Patient and Public Involvement Forum chairman Rose Covell said: "Beacon means shining light and, after the effort they've put into it, it will be a shining light."