A Southampton pub is set to be knocked down and turned into a multi-million-pound luxury development for the elderly.

The Bassett, in Burgess Road, has been sold to American company Sunrise Senior Living and will be turned into a care home for 105 elderly residents.

Around 70 full-time jobs for care workers, managers, chefs, housekeepers and maintenance staff will be created at the planned care home if city bosses give the thumbs up to the scheme.

A survey of residents conducted by the company showed that more than 70 per cent were in favour of the proposals which will see a Dutch-style method of care for the elderly introduced in Hampshire.

The new care home, if approved by city planners, will see 87 en-suite residential rooms - 16 of which will be designed for couples.

There will also be leisure facilities, bistro and a spa and hair salon.

Bassett ward councillor Liz Mizon said that most local people supported the redevelopment plan.

She said: "In general, people are fairly for it. The company have talked to residents and people are positive about the development."

Chris Perry, director of Age Concern Hampshire, said: "Age Concern Hampshire has been campaigning for more imaginative approaches to residential care for the past six years and assisted living, of the type provided by Sunrise, offers a very real alternative for many people.

"Having seen the high specification of their development in Virginia Water I am delighted that they propose developments in Hampshire, particularly as they are able to provide accommodation for people with late onset mental illness, Alzheimer's disease or dementia."

Sunrise development manager Steve Bucknell said: "We look forward to continuing to work closely with Southampton City Council's planning officers, local councillors, residents and other interested parties to deliver the best scheme we possibly can for Bassett.

"The provision of a new pedestrian crossing across Burgess Road and the widening of the footpath along Butterfield Road were suggestions from the local community that we will incorporate into our plans."