There was disappointment throughout after Surrey County Council officers "could not be bothered" to discuss Rydens Enterprise School's new site development.

The school wants to sell off playing fields to build 296 homes, but was refused permission at Elmbridge Council's planning meeting on Monday night.

Councillors returned to the same point countless times during discussions, demanding a frank debate with Surrey County Council about the dangers of a proposed new access way, and were disappointed a representative was unable to attend.

Kris Mitra, speaking on behalf of the applicant and the concerns raised, said: "I can assure you that it is in the schools best interest that their pupils don't suffer accidents in the road."

Councillors discussed the possibility of approving the application, simply so it could move to a full meeting, which Surrey County Council said they would be able to make.

A spokesman for Surrey County Council said: "We provided information and comment to the sub-committee and will be attending the full committee, where the final decision will be made."

Councillor Andrew Kelly said: "It really does sound like blackmail from Surrey County Council.

"I'd be very deeply uncomfortable if we voted for something we don't really want [to get Surrey County Council to a meeting]."

A motion to refuse the application due to concerns the proposed access way could cause "unacceptable harm" was proposed, seconded and agreed on unanimously, in the hope a highways representative would attend the full planning committee meeting on November 18.

Throughout the meeting, the large number of people in the public gallery made their opinions of the application known, and applauded councillors that spoke in their favour.

Objector Terrance Gibbs did not begrudge the school updating facilities but said "we cannot accept this".

Councillor John O'Reilly, who raised concerns about traffic congestion, and the dangers of adding 296 more houses worth of vehicles and pedestrians to an often crowded area, added: "This is not about bashing Rydens School. They need these facilities and they should have them."