GOVERNORS at ChurcherÕs College are examining the future of their junior school following thwarted plans to extend its current Moreton House site in The Spain at Petersfield.
They were forced back to the drawing board when East Hampshire District CouncilÕs South Planning Committee refused permission for new classrooms and a hall at Moreton House on January 9.
Before the district council meeting Petersfield town councillors made a dramatic U-turn on the Moreton House plans after hearing that more than 50 nearby residents had launched a campaign to fight the proposals.
The final thumbs-down came after a clear warning from the Environment Agency who felt that the flood risk to the site had not been sufficiently considered. The agencyÕs report to the South Planning meeting experts said that no development, including fencing and land raising, should take place in the identified floodplain as this would increase food risk elsewhere.
This week David Robins, bursar at the college, told The Herald: ÒFollowing the refusal of planning permission last month for the existing site, governors are continuing to evaluate a number of options for the improvement of junior school facilities.Ó
It is thought that one of the options is to move to Littlefield School in Liphook and it is believed, ChurcherÕs College has made a bid to take it over.
The future of Littlefield school is uncertain with falling pupil numbers.
Parents, concerned about the future of Littlefield, have formed a consortium in the hope of keeping the school running.
But Littlefield School and ChurcherÕs are keeping tight-lipped about any negotiations.
Littlefield School director, Patricia du Cros, said a statement would be made after half-term.
It is the latest twist in the long-running battle by ChurcherÕs College to secure a new site.