A MULTI-MILLION POUND scheme that would have created 25 jobs in an area where dole queues have doubled has been rejected by a planning inspector.

Edward Grace has dismissed a proposal by New Forest Ice Cream Ltd to build a new factory and double its workforce.

The company currently has two sites in Lymington and Hounsdown and wants to operate from one.

Last year its application for a new £3m complex at Gordleton Industrial Park in Hannah Way, Pennington, was rejected by New Forest Council.

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The company lodged an appeal against the decision and argued its case at a planning inquiry on February 10.

But Mr Grace has supported the council, saying the factory would be visible from the New Forest National Park and extra traffic generated by the development would cause additional “inconvenience” to other roadusers in the Gordleton area.

His verdict is a blow to the growing number of unemployed people in the Christchurch and New Forest area.

Last month it was revealed that the number of people claiming jobseeker’s allowance rose from 1,316 in July 2008 to 2,636 in January.

Mr Grace has criticised the council for refusing to allow New Forest Ice Cream to move to Ampress Business Park in Lymington.

His report says a legal agreement means the site can be used only for small business units.

A council spokesman said: “In view of the short period of time since the appeal hearing, the council has not reached a conclusion on the matter. If the ice cream company approaches us, we will review our position.”

Lawrie Jenman, the company’s managing director, said he had already written to the authority.

He added: “We are disappointed with the inspector’s decision to dismiss the appeal. As well as being environmentally friendly, the Gordleton scheme would have created 20 to 25 jobs.

“We want to stay in the New Forest area. If we can’t go to Gordleton, the middle of Ampress would be ideal.”