It was rejected because there was no need for extra school places in the area. (schoolsweek.co.uk)
And «half of districts with a high or severe forecast need for extra school places» have no application for primary school places. (theconversation.com)
Councils rely on free schools to create extra school places because they aren't generally allowed to open new schools themselves, though some authorities have complained about their being set up where there isn't demand for places. (schoolsweek.co.uk)