JOBS and the long-term future of a New Forest gravel company could be in jeopardy if it fails to win at an inquiry into plans to dig for aggregate in Hampshire.

That was the warning from New Milton Sand & Ballast (NMS&B) joint managing director Trevor Poole as he defended plans to quarry 800,000 tonnes of gravel in five years from Downton Manor Farm, near Milford, in the New Forest.

The plan was thrown out after a public inquiry in 2007, but now the Government has ordered that the ruling be quashed and the public inquiry into the gravel plans be re-opened. The move has been greeted with dismay by campaign groups Damage and Heritage, who have vowed to fight on.

Hampshire County Council will be among those opposing the plans at the inquiry, due to begin on June 9.

A county report said: “Considerable expense has been incurred by the county council and local residents on this matter.

“It now appears that further costs will occur to ensure that the Secretary of State has the evidence to make a sound decision.”

Mr Poole said: “If we don’t get this site there’s 20 people minimum at risk and the long-term future of the business will have to be looked at.”

The company is currently quarrying at Hurn and at Avon Tyrrell. The Avon Tyrrell site will finish in 2010 “and then we run out of gravel”.

Mr Poole added: “It’s quite key that we have a local supply of sand and ballast.”

The company currently recycles large quantities of aggregate which needs to be mixed with fresh gravel. More can be recycled if Downton Manor Farm comes on stream.

Mr Poole pointed out that it is important to have low “gravel miles” to combat global warming.

“All we do is provide local gravel for local people,” he added.