Plans to create a new school in Wimbledon have failed after the Government decided a former private school site was unsuitable.

In May a new group, led by Dundonald Primary school governor Vince Harris, proposed to revive the former Wimbledon House School and create a 210-place coalition Government-inspired “free school”.

The proposed school at the Kingston Road building, derelict since 2005, would have been state-funded but run by Mr Harris's voluntary group instead of Merton Council.

The council employs security guards with dogs to protect the building, at the corner with Dorset Road, after being blighted by squatters.

It was also the scene of a murder in 2006 when 41-year-old homeless man Paul Doohan was brutally kicked to death.

VIDEO: Squatters at Wimbledon House School resist eviction (February 2011)

Merton Council’s cabinet member for education, Councillor Peter Walker, said he knew all along the site was too small for a viable primary school and wanted the site to be sold instead.

Coun Walker (Labour) said: "This failure of the people behind the bid for a Free School in Wimbledon was not surprising and I had predicted it several months ago as the site was not viable.

He added: "While I believe the Free school policy of Michael Gove is a threat to good local council schools, I am anxious to explore all ways to ensure that we accommodate children in Wimbledon at good local schools which are accountable to the community they serve."

Councillor for Dundonald ward, David Dean, said he was “hugely disappointed” with the Department of Education’s decision and pointed the finger at Merton Council for not supporting the bid.

Coun Dean said: “If the council supported us, it would have made a big difference.

"If the councillors in Merton Park ward had given it support and Peter Walker didn’t keep slagging it off there would have been more momentum.

“At the end of the day the Government have to make the right decision and, in a competitive market, there were better bids.”

In an email to residents, Merton Park Independent ward councillor John Sargeant said he would press for the building's sale to be completed in a timely manner.

Coun Sargeant said on August 3: "[We] will also want assurances that, if the site eventually transfers to residential use, Merton receives its fair share of any planning gain this would generate."

Merton Council did not comment what its aspirations for the site were but said it was placed on the open market so as to “maximize interest” in the property.

Vince Harris, who has not responded to voicemail messages from the Wimbledon Guardian, had told a public meeting in June that the condition of the school was much worse than he had originally anticipated and was "almost certainly not suitable for a school".

Are you concerned about not getting a primary school place for your child? Leave a comment below, call 020 8722 6335 or email: ooakes@london.newsquest.co.uk.