Bedford Free School refused planning permission

The Bedford Free School is due to open in September Credit: ITV Anglia

The opening of Bedford Free School this September has been thrown into doubt after the council refused to grant the school planning permission.

The school is due to open in a former Bedford college site on Cauldwell Road, but last night Bedford Borough Council expressed concerns about heavy traffic outside the building.

200 children have been signed up to join the school for the start of its first term this autumn.

The school's principal, Mark Lehain, and the governors have said in a statement that they are disappointed with the decision but still expect the free school to open as planned.