Plans have been submitted for a major housing development which would see the old Nestle building turned into hundreds of flats.

Legal and General Property developers has submitted their application for St George’s House, Park Lane, East Croydon.

The proposed scheme will turn the office block into residential space with 288 apartments and rooftop gardens.

It has a unique design, with the tower blocks having a stepping effect to vary the height of the buildings.

The development comes after Nestle announced in January 2012 that they were relocating to Gatwick after more than 40 years in the borough.

The aim of the refurbishment is to completely rejuvenate the building, which will provide a sophisticated living and retail space in a key location for commuters, families and young professionals.

In September, a detailed public consultation process was carried out where 90 per cent of responses were positive towards the plan.

The proposals put forward are hoped to compliment what is already going on in the borough and Legal and General believe it will also contribute to the regeneration of East Croydon.

Charlie Walker, Director at Legal & General Property, said: "Since first unveiling our plans and engaging in public consultation, we have worked hard, together with our architects and planning team, to ensure that the finalised proposals best meet the needs of the town centre.

"Through these carefully designed plans, we believe that we can give this building an exciting new lease of life and play our part in bringing about the wider regeneration of Croydon town centre."

Simon Wilkes, Head of Business Space Development at Legal & General Property, added: "The proposals for St George’s House are designed to bring much needed high quality residential accommodation to the centre of Croydon.

"The investment will also see a significant improvement in the public realm to create a more accessible and attractive civic space for residents and visitors to enjoy."

The company has relocated 90 per cent of it staff with the building expected to be vacant by January 2013.

During the 1960s and 1970s it accommodated around 1,200 employees. The application will go in front of a council committee next year.