A PLOT of wasteland is set to be transformed into a "wild oasis" in an urban area.

After months of negotiation, Youth Options has been granted permission by Eastleigh Borough Council to turn the land off Bishopstoke Road into an outdoor learning area.

According to the charity, it would provide young people with the chance to experience and learn about the natural environment as well as having positive health and social benefits.

The brownfield site which was previously a garden centre will become a green space where children, young people and families can engage with nature through structured learning opportunities and play.

As part of its plans, Youth Options hopes to build several classrooms, wildlife habitat areas, fire-pits, woodland shelters, polytunnels, and ponds.

Alongside these developments, the charity will offer curriculum-linked activities, play sessions; forest school activity days, holiday clubs as well as John Muir Awards which encourage people to connect with, enjoy and care for wild places.

Youth Options report that the Centre will also allow schools and other educational establishments to bring children to a wild space to support their formal learning without having to travel too far to do so.

Similarly that parents will be able to benefit from after school and holiday clubs that provide their children with the opportunity to learn and play safely outdoors.

A spokesperson for Youth Options said: "The site is completely overgrown and we are delighted that Eastleigh Borough Council planning office has approved the plans for the outdoor learning centre.

The outdoor learning centre is in a unique position of providing an oasis of wild space where children and young people can engage with nature, play safely and learn and understand the world around them."

Bishopstoke resident Ken Brown said: "Having been left to decay for many years, this proposal offers appropriate use of this land and welcome development in support of local services for young people.

Since taking occupation, we have noted that the site has been improved and managed by Youth Options without any issue."

Based in Romsey Youth Options help develop young people’s social and emotional skills to improve their chances in life.

It now aims to raise £300,000 to develop the site with the support of Eastleigh Borough Council.

For more information call 01794 525510