PLANS for a major expansion of a Southampton school could be given the green light.

Springwell School could have new classrooms and facilities including a pool, hall and kitchen created in a project costing more than £10m.

As previously reported, city council chiefs recently rubber-stamped spending £9.6m on a second phase of works at the special school, having already earmarked more than £1.5m for the first phase.

In the first phase of the development a new single-storey building with six classrooms would be built, taking the number of pupils from 64 to 112 and staff from 125 to 161.

That would allow youngsters who are currently being taught on temporary sites elsewhere in the city to move to Springwell School.

And the second phase would see two more two-storey blocks thrown up with a multi-use games area featuring extra teaching, health, sports and community facilities for children with special educational needs.

Civic chiefs say they do not currently have enough special school places to offer youngsters in the city, and temporary classrooms have had to be found at Bassett Green Primary School and Startpoint Sholing.

The plans will go before the council’s planning and rights of way panel at its next meeting today.

Five people have objected to the plans over concerns about the loss of a publicly used field at the site and extra traffic the plans will generate.

Issues raised include the loss of part of the field at the site which is currently used by members of the public, a loss of natural light to some surrounding homes and the extra noise created by the outdoor play area.

Catherine Passingham said school traffic is “getting dangerous” with parents turning outside homes and “racing” down Carey Road.

Chair of governors Angela Allerton said everyone at the school was “looking forward to the exciting times ahead".

She added: “The new build will not only be a fantastic educational resource to the city but we are determined that it will benefit many other children and families with additional educational needs as well as the local school community.

“We have heard and shared some of the concerns over possible impact on traffic and open space but believe the proposed design and management will actually enhance both elements once complete.

"As part of the school travel plan, there will be an additional traffic entry point which will significantly improve current and future traffic in the area.

“There will also be investment in the open spaces around the school to create a natural habitat and managed walkway between Bryon Road, Hinkler Road and Donkey Common.”

The panel are recommended to approve the application, providing the Secretary of State for Education does not call it in for further consideration.

If they are approved, the new buildings would be ready for students in September 2018.