LANDOWNERS behind proposals for a huge industrial complex at Nursling which could provide up to 3,600 jobs will appeal after their masterplan was thrown out by councillors.

Barker-Mill Estates wants to develop a business park housing dozens of firms in Adanac Park by the M271.

The scheme suffered a major blow when Test Valley Borough Council planners rejected part of the scheme for the 78-acre site, ruling it would fail to create enough skilled work.

Councillors on the planning committee went against their own officers’ recommendations and rejected the two applications for a combined 31,700sq m of distribution and storage next to the Ordnance Survey’s HQ.

Hampshire business leaders had urged the authority to back the complex, which they say will boost the county’s economic fortunes.

But despite passing six previous planning applications relating to the site the committee ruled it conflicted with the borough’s planning framework reserving the area for a “science park” style industry or large company head offices.

Members claimed the proposed distribution park would create low-skilled jobs and 1,800 fewer roles than light industrial use.

They also feared it will increase noise and air pollution for nearby residents and lead to major congestion on nearby roads.

Barker-Mill Estates trustee Tim Jobling said the landowner would appeal.

He added: “We are disappointed that the councillors have overlooked professional advice and business leaders.

“We need to respond to the demand of the fast-developing business market and particularly the local economy. There is a widely-acknowledged shortage of sites for logistics businesses and this does not help Southampton docks.

“In the meantime the council is also missing out on very substantial amounts of business rates.”

However, planners did grant permission for 20,583sq m of business floor space and to create 23 homes on the Bargain Farm site in Frogmore Lane, Nursling, which were previously blocked by the council’s southern planning committee.

Further plans for two other 10,848 sq m and 12,94 sq m of light industrial use on the site and a restaurant in Adanac Triangle have already been passed.