Horsham were tonight considering their next move after plans for a new home ground were rejected by district councillors.

The Ryman League outfit, who currently groundshare with Horsham YMCA, wanted to build a community stadium on the southern edge of town.

However councillors went against planning officers’ recommendations and voted 13-9 to refuse permission.

Hornets chairman Kevin Borrett admitted the club were bitterly disappointed by the decision.

He told the club's website: "Firstly let me thank everyone who turned out tonight to support Horsham Football Club in the planning application, and the countless number of fans who couldn't be present but have been so supportive in other ways including their messages of support.

"I'm not going to hide the fact that all the board members are bitterly disappointed at the outcome of the new ground application decision, for which we had hoped to secure a favourable decision at the first attempt."