A planning application to replace an illegally-demolished pub with a large care home has been submitted to council planners.

Property investment company Frontier Estates held a consultation earlier this year 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 has now submitted plans to Gravesham Borough Council to build a 65-bedroom care home on the vacant site.

The planning statement states: "The proposed care home will provide high quality accommodation for the elderly, with the capability for all care needs to be met on site.

"It is likely to be dual-registered, so that it can deliver both nursing and residential care, enabling the provision of dementia-specific care."

The three-storey home would have 65 single occupancy bedrooms all with wet room provisions – 25 rooms on the ground floor, 25 on the first floor and 15 on the second floor.

Each level is proposed to have a lounge and dining space, a nurse's office and a drugs store.

The home would have several communal facilities including a café, family room, activity rooms, a hair and beauty salon, a cinema and a residents' garden.

Plans include 27 parking spaces including two disabled spots and an ambulance drop-off space and new vehicle access provided from New House Lane.

It is expected to employ around 70 people equating to 53 full-time positions.

There is also scope to include artwork to honour the former Battle of Britain public house.

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

The planning statement added the scale, height and massing of the building has been reduced as much as possible to ensure it fits in with its surroundings.

Developers also say in the applications there were no objections from the summer's consultation adding comments supporting the plans included "the proposal is exactly what the area needs and the care home will be a great asset to the community".

The report added: "Importantly, this proposal provides an opportunity to better utilise this site, which is currently vacant and covered by large areas of hardstanding, to develop an attractive corner building in this location.

"This proposal would deliver much-needed care beds in an area where there is an identified need for them."

A decision for the plans is expected by Monday, February 27. You can view the application here.

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.