An “iconic” Victorian care home could be demolished and completely rebuilt due to concerns over residents.

The Chestnuts care home in Cambridge Park Road, Wanstead, houses 50 people and is owned by Westgate Healthcare.

A planning application details plans to rebuild the home, with the existing 50 residential units to be expanded to 70 and enlarged.

The company says that the home has been threatened with closure by the Care Standards Commission.

During recent inspections, the commission found some rooms in the building are too small, do not have en-suite bathrooms and do not have adequate daylight.

Westgate Healthcare, which has owned the home since 2012, said in the application: “The driving force behind the design is to improve the quality of life for the current and future residents.

“This will mean all rooms with their own en-suite toilet and shower.

“There will also be a better selection of dayrooms and dining rooms will also make life more enjoyable for residents."

Conservative Cllr Sue Nolan, of the Snaresbrook ward, expressed mixed feelings about the proposal.

She said: “On the one hand I have concerns that the plans mean we will be losing an iconic building.

“But care of the elderly is paramount and this is the most important thing.

“Anything to improve the care of the residents of the care home is to be welcomed but we need to make sure the building fits into the area.”

Vic Lavers, 65, of nearby Chestnut Drive, said he was against the proposals because the “charming” facade will not be retained.

He said: “I am against the rebuilding because the late-Victorian facade will be lost, Westgate Healthcare actually describe the home on its website as 'a gracious old house'.

“It is one of the most, if not the most, charming and picturesque facades in Wanstead and should be listed.

“It is an absolute shame and I think it would not be too difficult to rebuild the building while retaining the same facade, this is of prime importance."

People can register their views on proposals until tomorrow.