A MAJOR development for Longtown which could create more than 100 jobs for the local economy is set to be the first to be approved by the new Cumberland Council - but there are some concerns over its scale.

The first application to be considered by Cumberland's new planning committee next Wednesday, May 10 is a plan to convert a farmstead at Haithwaite Farm in Penton, north east of Longtown on the Scottish border, to a new visitor attraction for the area.

Applicants say they plan to ‘diversify’ the traditional farmstead to create new jobs within the visitor economy for the area; projections suggest the development could create 87-91 direct full time jobs once in operation, with a further 50 full time ‘spin-off’ jobs in the supply chain and wider economy.

The proposal is to convert the existing farm into a 'tourist, cultural and heritage hub' comprising a cafe, farm shop, exhibition space, taphouse, wellness spa, heritage centre, craft workshops, distillery, office space, staff accommodation, and holiday accommodation.

The plans, which have been recommended for approval by officers, will go before the Cumberland Council planning committee on Wednesday.

Some have raised objections to the plans, with Longtown councillor Tim Pickstone saying he has been contacted by residents opposing the development.

He said: “Local people who have been in touch with me have been concerned about these proposals.

"The biggest concern people have is the scale of the development.

"We have some great individual tourist businesses in the local areas - B&Bs, lodges, campsites and a restaurant but nothing anywhere like this scale.”

The councillor also raised concerns around traffic issues in the area, saying residents are concerned around what they believe will be a large increase of traffic on ‘rural roads’.

But Gerald Smith, who is a director of Netherby Hall Ltd which is proposing the development, said: “We continue to work closely with the local community on the proposed plans for the Haithwaite development to ensure that their concerns are met and addressed.

"We understand that a number of residents have sent letters of support for the development to the council and many other people have voiced their support, both at the well-attended public consultation event last year and subsequently.

“This significant private investment into the area comes with a recommendation for approval from the council’s own planning professionals, is complementary to the objectives of the Borderlands Growth Deal and after careful consideration of the proposals, the Highways Agency have no objections relating to traffic or approach to the site.

“Our ambition is to create a destination for the community and visitors which would complement other local businesses, support the wider economy and provide a hub for the community.

“By regenerating existing derelict and redundant buildings at Haithwaite Farm, we aim to diversify the traditional farmstead into a sustainable, green tourism venture which will look to the future by creating new jobs and opportunities for local people while remaining sensitive to the local area.”