A school's plan to build classrooms, in preparation for a huge amount of homes being built nearby, has been blocked.

The Office of the Schools' Adjudicator (OSA) has thrown out £1 million plans put forward by the governors of St Margarets' School in Angmering.

The school's board of governors wanted to build five new classrooms, bringing the total to 14.

They said the classrooms would be needed for children who will move into 600 homes being built in its catchment area, over the next few years.

The homes are being built to pay for the £5.1 million Angmering bypass.

The governors had also drawn up plans for a new library, medical room, IT suite and an extension to the main hall.

Keith Stockman, chairman of governors, said staff were "bitterly disappointed" at the decision.

He said: "I think this is the wrong decision.

"The only way they can accommodate the new children now will be by building a new school.

"That will not only be a waste of money but will also split the community."

Mr Stockman said this year's intake would bring the school population to almost 400, up 20 from last year.

He said a kitchen had been converted into a classroom to cope with the rising numbers.

He said: "While the building work is going on we're going to have to be the ones to absorb all the children coming into the area.

"The only way we will be able to do that is by putting up more temporary classrooms.

"None of the support facilities or road improvements will be put in."

Announcing her decision, adjudicator June Brown said she was conscious there had not been an opportunity to consult parents because the homes had not yet been built.

In a statement, the OSA said: "The adjudicator concluded the enlargement of St Margaret's School was not, as yet, demonstrably in the best interests of children in the area and as the house building project is behind schedule, alternative arrangements should be made to accommodate children requiring primary places."