PLANS to transform a former Southampton school into more than 100 new homes have been given the green light.

But residents and local councillors slammed planning chiefs for missing what they claim is a “golden opportunity” to use the scheme to solve parking chaos caused by a neighbouring school.

Southampton City Council planners approved a scheme to create 103 homes on the old Oaklands School site in Lordshill.

But neighbours lost their fight for a drop-off car park to be incorporated into the development to alleviate problems at neighbouring Fairisle Junior School.

The plans feature a mixture of two and three-storey buildings featuring 62 houses and 41 flats off Fairisle Road which the council is looking to sell for housing.

Authority chiefs instructed consultants Capita to bid for outline planning for the site to make it easier to market to potential buyers.

Money from sale of the land would go towards a £1.7 million refurbishment of Oaklands swimming pool.

But local Resident Peter Edwards told the planning and rights of way panel that parents’ parked cars blocking the road at peak times prevent neighbours from getting into their own homes.

He said: “We have to put up with parking on pavements and verges and everyone turns a blind eye. Why can’t you have a car park in this redevelopment?”

Diane Grove, who lives opposite the school gates said: “It isn’t good, it isn’t safe and there is going to be a death before too much longer.”

Councillor Don Thomas handed in a 271-signature petition calling for a dedicated carpark and said: “It is possible for you to end the school drop off parking nightmare for the residents, but also prevent the roads on the new development being clogged up in the future.”

Residents also concerned about its proximity to their homes and about changes to a footpath on the site’s western boundary which they fear will restrict their access because it will be diverted under the proposals.bbut the panel ratified the scheme.

Afterwards Cllr Thomas said: “We are bitterly disappointed that panel members never used this planning application as a golden opportunity to end the school run parking nightmare of hundreds of local residents.”