The green light has been given for a new special educational needs school to be built near Eastleigh, providing 125 “much-needed” places.

Hampshire County Council granted planning permission for the scheme on Wednesday, which will see Luminous Oak School built in the Boorley Gardens housing development, north-east of Hedge End in Boorley Green.

The special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) school, expected to open in 2026, will provide 125 places specifically for pupils with social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs between eight and 16 years old.

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The former agricultural grassland will be transformed into a modern educational facility featuring 15 general classrooms and seven specialised and practical teaching spaces, including the ‘Eden Room’ for tailored instruction and therapy.

It will also have sensory, therapy, and small group rooms, soft play and sensory rooms, two learning resource rooms, a main hall for gatherings, a fitness suite for physical activities, and a dining hall with an adjacent kitchen.

Primary and secondary pupils will have their own dedicated library and food tech room within their respective building wing.

Secondary-age pupils will have access to a DT workshop on the ground floor and a science laboratory, art room, music classroom, and dedicated fitness suite on the second floor.

Outdoors could be split into primary and secondary areas.

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The proposal to spend £17.9m was approved on January 22. Councillors supported the application at the regulatory committee on Wednesday.

Andrew Parker, on behalf of the county council, said the new school would “alleviate” the demand for SEND places in Hampshire since demand is rising.

Solent Academy has been appointed to run the school, and building work is expected to start this spring. It should be completed by the autumn to provide the “much-needed” places.