Plans to build a 65-bed care home on the site of an illegally-demolished pub have been recommended for approval.

Property investment company Frontier Estates submitted an application in December for its proposals for the former Battle of Britain in Northfleet.

The historic boozer was knocked down in 2016 without permission by the previous owner in what was put down as a "communication error", a move which angered residents.

It caused further outrage when council officers told the workers to stop, only to be ignored.

In the end, the council was forced to allow the complete demolition of the pub because it was structurally unsafe.

The site in Coldharbour Road was then earmarked to be turned into 20 homes after plans were approved two years ago but the land was sold before this could come to fruition.

New owners Frontier Estates then submitted plans to Gravesham council to build a 65-bedroom care home on the vacant site following an earlier public consultation.

The three-storey facility will be dual registered, if approved, providing nursing and residential care on site.

The plans also include 27 car parking spaces, cycle storage, an activity room, four dining rooms, a private dining room, three lounges, a family room, seating area, a hair and beauty salon and staff rooms.

A decision on the application was expected by the end of February but they were referred to be discussed at planning committee by a councillor.

In their report, council officers recommended the project for approval subject to conditions.

It added: “The scheme would be acceptable in land use terms, providing much needed residential care accommodation for elderly people with dementia and freeing up existing housing supply.

“It would provide a positive contribution to the street scene, public realm and local character.

“The proposals will have no detrimental impact on the surrounding landscape, character of the area, amenity, highway safety or parking. The scheme takes into account the history of the site wider context of the area.”

The application will be heard at the council meeting on Wednesday, June 14.

During the public consultation last July, concerns were raised over the height of the home but the applicants responded saying the proposed layout and design is appropriate.

The Battle of Britain pub was built by RAF personnel to commemorate Gravesend being the first RAF station to operate the American P-51 Mustang III fighter-bomber.