PLANS for a new primary school in Pimperne have been thrown into turmoil after a ruling from central government.

The Secretary of State has sent County Hall schools chiefs back to the drawing board after conservationists objected to their plans to build a new school next to the village hall.

Cllr Toni Coombs, the cabinet member for education, said Dorset County Council remained “absolutely committed” to a new school in Pimperne.

“The existing building isn’t up to modern standards. We want the best for our youngsters. In this case, that means a new school,” said Mrs Coombs.

The village hall site had not been ruled out, she said, adding that objections from the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty partnership meant the council had been asked to look at other sites.

Outline planning permission had been granted for the new school by county councillors, but their decision was referred to the Secretary of State.

In a separate development, a campaign to have the existing school playing field protected as a village green has suffered a setback.

Dorset County Council has raised a last minute legal challenge to an application made by Pimperne Parish Council under the Comm-ons Act 2006 some five months ago.

Parish chairman Cllr Peter Slocombe said: “The school field provides the only remaining area of green space in Pimperne for informal sport, pastimes, and leisure.

“It has been used extensively for these purposes for at least twice the statutory period required under the Act and contributes greatly to the character of the village.

“The parish council believes that the residents of Pimperne have established a lawful right in respect of the land which should accordingly be registered as a village green.”

Parish clerk Susie Bamforth said the council received a letter from Dorset County Council dated January 6 outlining “legal arguments” against the parish’s bid for a green.

The parish council will discuss the legal objections at its next meeting on February 10.