A £25m care complex for the elderly could be built within two miles of Romsey.

Plans to turn a former Nursling school into a 115-unit complex are due to be submitted to Test Valley Borough Council within the next fortnight.

The plans have been drawn up by Renaissance Lifecare, which already runs a successful "care village" at Bentley Cross, Dorchester.

Under the proposals, the former Atherley School site at Grove Place will be transformed into a leading care home that would include a restaurant and dining room, a craft and art studio, a billiards room, a fitness suite and a hydro-therapy pool.

There would also be clinics where specialists, including chiropractors and physiotherapists, could offer treatment to the residents, as well as 24-hour nursing.

Talks have already taken place between Renaissance Lifecare and English Heritage regarding the restoration of the Grade I-listed Elizabethan school building.

Renaissance Lifecare managing director Gavin Aleksich said: "We are looking at 115 units supported by the manor house, which will be refurbished and will provide the community facilities.

"Some of the buildings in the grounds will be refurbished and some will be pulled down and replaced."