THE site of a former Southampton school is to be given a new lease of life.

The former Oakland’s Community School site in Lordshill is set to be turned into 103 new homes.

The school closed in 2013 and the building has been demolished since.

But now the site could a mix of flats in two and three-storey buildings and semi-detached properties.

According to a document published by Southampton City Council (SCC) there will be a mix of council rented and shared ownership properties.

A total of 177 parking spaces will also be provided.

SCC, which has put the plans forward, said the new homes will contribute towards the target of 1,000 council owned homes which the authority is committed to delivering by 2025.

“Despite the council owning approximately 16,000 rented properties there is still an urgent need for social and affordable housing with over 8,600 families currently waiting for homes on the housing register,” SCC said in an official document.

The plans were approved earlier this year.

But next week, civic chiefs will seek approval for £18.3m to be granted to the scheme in a bid to start the development. The final decision is set to be made at the full council meeting that will take place on Wednesday.

Independent councillor Tammy Thomas, who represents Coxford ward, said:

“It has been a long time coming and I will believe it when I see it. As long as they are affordable homes for local people I will be happy.”

Oaklands School closed in 2013 and was replaced by a new building which became Oasis Academy Lordshill, incorporating the former Millbrook School as well.

The money for the scheme will come from a mix of council borrowing,

right to buy income and the upfront sale of the shared ownership properties.

An official document says that if required it would also be possible to sell some of the units outright.

More money could also come from Homes England (HE) funding.

SCC was approached for comments but it was unable to provide one.