BUSINESS leaders have made an impassioned plea for politicians to back a masterplan for a giant complex in Hampshire creating 3,600 jobs and millions of pounds for the county’s economy.

A plan to create a huge business park with dozens of firms and housing in Adanac Park, next to the M271, has hung in the balance since Test Valley borough councillors blocked it.

But business chiefs warn that the authority risks losing its share in £140m of potential revenue if a blueprint for the 78- acre site close to Ordnance Survey’s HQ is crushed.

They accuse politicians of undervaluing the scheme, which they say would provide desperately needed jobs and housing.

As previously reported, landowner Barker-Mill Estates was considering appealing aganst the planning committee’s decision to reject four out of the firm’s nine applications.

However it is holding lastditch talks with Test Valley officers to stave off an appeal which could hit taxpayers with a bill running into thousands of pounds, and will hold fire until the county’s planners consider the application on Tuesday.

The landowner claims that the proposals for 47,000 sqmof business space and 31,700 sq m of storage and distribution space would generate an economic boost of £134m per year.

This is added to £3.5m in annual business rates, while the housing would mean the authority qualifying for £370,000 from the Government’s New Homes Bonus.

The committee ruled that two separate 27,600 sq m and 4,100 sq m zones of storage distribution and general industry failed to provide enough skilled jobs and was too close to proposed and exisiting homes.

Hampshire Chamber of Commerce planning and transport chairman Mark Miller said that the refusal represents a “serious lack of appreciation” of its merits and added: “The new proposals are targeted to meet the current needs of the market, as well as serve both the Southampton and Test Valley economies at a crucial time in the recovery.”

Sally Thompson, chief executive of Business South, said: “For many years we have been aware of the local need for more high quality distribution and storage facilities to meet the increasing demand.

“We welcome the increased jobs the proposed development plans would bring.”

Landowner trustee Tim Jobling said: “Despite the initial bad news, we are 100 per cent committed to making Adanac Park a reality.”