Plans for a new £1 million performing arts centre at The Petersfield School have suffered a major setback after East Hampshire district planners opposed the scheme because of concerns about traffic, noise and design.

The county councilÕs policy and resources chief, Ken Thornber, approved the design of the building earlier this month, but EHDCÕs planning officers have not been convinced.

District planners have described the design of the new state of the art centre as ÒpoorÓ, and believe that it will result in a Òbland development that does not reflect the use of the buildingÓ.

They state that the proposal fails to address Òpossible nuisance to local residents from noise leakage,Ó and are also worried about the traffic increase, especially at the Cranford Road junction.

They also believe that the roads leading to and from the site are inadequate to cope with the expected additional traffic.

The news will come as a huge blow to the school, which is waiting to hear if its bid to become a specialist arts college has been successful.

The new arts centre, that will cost an estimated £770,000 not including architectsÕ and planning fees, is set to include a 200-seat theatre, gallery and drama studio.

There would also be a paved courtyard and amphitheatre, for outdoor performances, linking the new building and the existing music block.

The plans are part of the schoolÕs bid to become a specialist arts college, and staff were hoping that the new theatre would be operational by next September.

The final planning decision will be taken by Hampshire County Council.