DECISION day is looming for ambitious plans to create 3,600 new jobs at a huge new development in Hampshire.

The proposals to turn disused land on the outskirts of Southampton into an enormous complex with dozens of businesses will go before councillors  tomorrow (Tuesday).

Members of Test Valley District Council’s southern planning committee are set to have the final say on whether the dream to develop Adanac Park can go ahead.

Landowner Barker-Mill Estates drew up a blueprint for the 78-acre site , next to the M271 and Ordnance Survey’s HQ, that features more than 47,000sq m of business space and 31,700sq m of storage and distribution space.

If approved the plans would see the four plots of farm land transformed into a bustling industrial and office development employing 3.600 people.

Other elements of the plan would involve 49 homes built on two sites, an 80-bed care home and a restaurant.

Barker-Mill Estates handed in its bid for outline planning permission at the beginning of the year.

And although full planning permission would need to be granted before any construction work could begin, outline permission will make the site easier to market, with Barker-Mill Estates saying there has already been “significant” interest from interested businesses.

Southampton City Council and Hampshire County Council have backed the plans, but the future of the bid is in the hands of Test Valley’s councillors.

The planning panel will meet at Crosfield Hall in Romsey to make a decision.

Ordnance Survey has objected to the plans, saying it would encourage more private car use and that there is already sufficient office space in Southampton city centre, while the site is more suited to a headquarters-style building.

Six residents living near the site in Nursling and Rownhams have objected to the plans, saying it would “destroy whatever village character is left in Rownhams” and turn the area into an “unattractive place to live and work”.

However another three residents, and Nursling-based firm Meachers Global Logistics, have written in favour of the scheme, saying there is a high demand for new business space and that it would provide much-needed employment.

In their report to the committee, district planners have recommended councillors approve the plans.

Barker-Mill Estates trustee Tim Jobling said: “The future of the proposed development is a major decision that we feel is on the verge of success, paving the way for an opportunity that will bring so many benefits to the local community.

“We’re very hopeful that the decision next week will be positive and that local authorities will recognise the hugely beneficial changes that Adanac Park will bring.”