Have you ever glanced at its creeping ivy and barred gates, and wondered what is to become of that grand, white-walled building in Surbiton’s Oakhill neighbourhood?

The Newlands Nurses Home, near Lime Tree Primary School in Oak Hill, has lain eerily empty for years as part of the NHS’s property portfolio.

But it has now been sold and a Teddington-based planning consultant hopes to develop it into apartments – as well as to build further blocks next door.

Harper Planning said it would create three new blocks in a similar style after demolishing the neighbouring Oakhill medical centre.

Consultant Robin Harper said: “The idea is to go for a traditional approach and for new buildings that look similar to that.

“We haven’t gone for the more contemporary approach because we just don’t think it’s appropriate.”

Surrey Comet:

The empty Newlands Nurses Home in Oak Hill has become something of a local landmark over the years. Picture: Jon Sharman  

Mr Harper said 41 apartments could be created across the four buildings.

To head off neighbours’ concerns about parking, he said, an underground car park is proposed.

A public exhibition will be held at the medical centre this Thursday, February 26, from 4pm to 8pm, where residents can ask questions about the plans.

Mr Harper said he expected to submit a planning application to Kingston Council in about a month’s time.

What do you think? Leave your comments below or email letters@surreycomet.co.uk