An independent school is continuing its search for premises after having hopes of returning to Winchester dashed by a planning decision.

The Winchester Christian Primary School was started seven years ago by Fred Kinchin in the offices of the Winchester Family Church, Stanmore Lane, where he is a member.

Because the church needed the accommodation for its increasing youth work, he moved the school last year into unused classrooms at King's Senior School, Fair Oak.

With King's needing the classrooms back and Mr Kinchin anxious to re-establish the school in Winchester because that's where most of its 16 pupils live, he thought he had found a solution when he was offered premises at Sarum Farm, Kilham Lane.

However, the city council has scuppered the scheme by rejecting his application to demolish a building there and replace it with a temporary classroom, together with a play area and parking.

Planners said it was the wrong place for a school because the lane was so dangerous for children to walk or cycle. It had no pavement and was subject only to the 60mph national limit.

Mr Kinchin described their decision as "devastating" and said he was worried that, unless suitable premises were found soon, the school might have to close.

"The site would have been perfect for us because it was in a beautiful, private setting and we were offered it at an extremely cheap rent," he said. "We set up the school because I wanted to be able to pass on the Christian faith, beliefs and values.

"If we cannot find anywhere else the children will have to go into main stream schools.

"There's nothing really hopeful on the horizon and the planning application was a last resort.

"We used to have 33 pupils but, because of the uncertain future of the school, parents have taken their children out," he said.

"The trouble is that buildings in Winchester are expensive and we are a charity funded only by fees and donations. There is only so much people can afford."

Mr Kinchin's wife, Alison, teaches at the school and their daughters, Hannah (5) and Florence (7) are among its pupils.