The scheme for the property in Greatham – described as "a small residential hamlet" – will now be assessed by East Hampshire District Council's planning officers.

If the council grants planning permission, it will be the final chapter in the history of the mansion which was home to hundreds of severely disabled people over a period of almost 60 years before it closed last year.

Le Court, founded by Group Captain Lord Cheshire VC in 1948, was the pioneer of what became a worldwide organisation of homes and services for the disabled.

But its days were numbered by the need to bring it in line with modern standards.

A series of plans to build a new home – funded by a development of private houses on part of the site – eventually foundered, and the Leonard Cheshire charity (formerly the Leonard Cheshire Foundation) decided to build its new facility at Romsey and sell Le Court.