Developers are looking to turn parts of a huge office block in Penge into new apartments.

Yeoman House, in Croydon Road, could have its existing offices turned into dozens of flats under a new housing scheme.

The building currently comprises offices, a car showroom and a hotel – but plans have emerged to turn some offices into apartments.

The developers have asked for prior approval for what would be a scheme involving 55 one-bed apartments and 28 two-bed flats.

The nine-storey building would feature flats from the second storey up to the sixth floor, with the rest of the building kept as it is.

Renovating offices into homes has been encouraged by government planning policies as one way of solving the housing crisis.

According to planning documents submitted by the applicant: “The intended effect of the proposal is to increase housing supply.

“By encouraging development on brownfield land the proposal will help to reduce the pressure on greenfield sites.

“We are all aware of office blocks lying empty, even in areas with buoyant commercial markets, with many becoming dilapidated.”

Similar schemes in Petts Wood have also been submitted in recent weeks.

The plans are currently with officers at the council and no decision has yet been made.