An empty former care home in Ipswich could be turned into 23 apartments and four bungalows, if planners give the scheme the green light.

The former Hawthorn Drive residential care home is currently empty, but a planning application is set to be submitted by Colchester-based Crown House Homes to create the apartments, with the aim of targeting those in the town who are looking to downsize their home.

Simon Clow, from Palmer and Partners, which is representing Crown House Homes on the project, said: “There is a shortage of apartments in Chantry and they are looking at doing four bungalows, which in the local area there is a huge shortage of.

“The view with the site is it will give more opportunity for people living locally somewhere to downsize to – for people who have a family house they perhaps do not need anymore.”

Palmer and Partners confirmed the properties would be available on the Help to Buy scheme, and all would have designated parking.

Some of the homes will also have private gardens.

Crown House Homes is run as a block management company, meaning communal and common areas will be maintained by the firm, while residents maintain the insides of their homes.

Among the changes planned are an extension to the first floor, which will help facilitate 13 two-bed homes and 10 one-bed apartments.

Crown House Homes in its application added: “We will communicate fully with all apartment owners and client directors throughout our contract as managing agents and will be transparent and accountable.”

The application is currently in the consultation phase, with the matter set to go before planners in July.