PLANS for the new Christchurch primary school have yet to be signed off by the Secretary of State.

Approval was granted for the Marsh Lane school in February by Dorset County Council's regulatory committee.

But because the development will be on green belt land, the decision had to be referred to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Greg Clark.

He is yet to decide whether the plans need to be called in.

In a letter to the county council, senior planning manager Mike Hale, on behalf of Mr Clark said: "It is regretted that the Department is yet to complete consideration of the proposal and, in exercise of his powers the Secretary of State hereby directs your Council not to grant permission on the application without specific authorisation.

"This Direction is issued to enable the Department to have a further period in which to consider the proposal. "The matter will be dealt with as quickly as possible and a further letter will be sent to you when that consideration has been completed."

The proposal for the much-needed primary school in the west of the borough attracted a wealth of support from parents unable to get their children into a nearby school.

But the plans were also opposed by people unhappy about the development on green belt land.

Christchurch MP Chris Chope supported the objectors, writing to the Secretary of State over a number of issues relating to the proposal.

These included alternative sites which the council did not deem appropriate.

Mr Chope said the county council had failed to seriously consider potential alternative sites, including two brownfield sites, he had previously mentioned at the committee.

These include land once earmarked for a Asda supermarket at Bailey Drive and the Bargates site, where the police station and former magistrates court currently stands.

Earlier this week, the need for a new school was highlighted as dozens of families missed out on places in Christchurch.

A total of 16 catchment children in Mudeford were refused places at Mudeford Infants but offered places at Somerford instead.

And Christchurch Infants School was so over-subscribed that 33 catchment children did not get in. They will be accommodated at Twynham.