By RUTH LOGNONNE ruth.lognonne@hexham-courant.co.uk

Last updated at 09:23, Monday, 08 March 2010

BEARDED botanist David Bellamy is supporting plans for a multi million pound eco-tourism village near Ridsdale.

The keen conservationist has given his backing to Sherod Walker, the entrepreneur behind the ambitious project at Waterfalls Estate.

Professor Bellamy has written to Northumberland County Council in a letter of support for the scheme after discussing plans with Mr Walker.

“I recently had the pleasure of visiting Sherod Walker’s proposed development and, to coin a phrase, it is a site bursting with capabilities of the quality leisure kind,” Prof. Bellamy said.

“It would be a great addition to rural-based tourism in Northumberland, creating jobs and the training needed to go with them, especially in these harsh economic times.

“The approach that his team has taken in the design and management of the site includes the redevelopment and rehabilitation of a range of important habitats, and the philosophy of the Waterfalls Estate revolves around giving support to local businesses, schools and the local community.”

Mr Walker said he was delighted to have Prof. Bellamy’s backing for the project.

“We very much value his opinion as a prestigious conservation campaigner and take the environmental elements of our proposals extremely seriously,” Mr Walker said.

“I have spoken with Prof. Bellamy in detail regarding our plans and it was fantastic to hear how enthusiastic he is about the proposals.”

The scheme has now been recommended for approval by Northumberland County Council planning officers and will go before the west area planning committee on Thursday.

However, the plans still face strong opposition from residents, who question 24-year-old Mr Walker’s ability to see the scheme through, after a previous business he operated from the Waterfalls site went into receivership.

If successful, Waterfalls Country Estate would be comprised of 18 luxury chalets and three holiday cottages, converted from existing stone barns.

The resort would also house a pool and beauty spa, a state-of-the-art equestrian centre and sporting facilities. Landscaping of the site would include the construction of two lakes and a moat around the leisure facility.

First published at 09:46, Friday, 05 March 2010
Published by http://www.hexhamcourant.co.uk