RESIDENTS had their first glimpse of a potential housing scheme on the site of a former school in Southampton.

Dozens of people gathered at Lordshill Community Centre to look at the plans which will see homes and flats built on what was once Oaklands School.

The proposed scheme which would also see homes built on Lordshill Community Centre and the Former Lordshill Local Housing Office would provide 103 homes, which would include 62 houses and 41 flats and 165 car parking spaces.

Residents and councillors who attended the information session called for a designated car park to end the parking “nightmare” in roads close to Fairisle Junior School. It comes after the Daily Echo reported how residents in Fairisle Road, Orkney Close and Malin Close threatened to blockade the road against parents on the school run.

Southampton city councillors Don Thomas and Keith Morrell handed in a 200-name petition calling for the Oaklands School site to include a dedicated car park.

Cllr Thomas said: “It has been quite clear to me that the message coming from local residents at this consultation is that we need a dedicated car park for the parents that drop off their children to Fairisle School.

“This would end a need to drive into Malin Close, Orkney and Fairisle Road ever again.”

Southampton City Council has instructed Capita Property and Infrastructure to submit an Outline Planning Consent for the development.

A statement from Southampton City Council, said: “Southampton City Council owns the land, which has been identified for sale. The council has appointed Capita to seek outline planning consent for the site; with a view to ensuring best value is achieved when sold for development. The plans were shown also depict car parking and other amenities that could be provided. Ultimately, what is proposed at this time, if it achieves outline planning consent, may not be what is developed in the future.