Only a few days after the planning appeal hearing ended [2nd of February 2011], it has been announced that the Waterfalls Estate scheme is to be included in Northumberland’s strategic tourism document known as the ATMaP (Area Tourism Management Plan).

The Northumberland Area Tourism Management Plan is the tourism strategy and action plan for the County, two of the main objectives are to increase visitor spend in Northumberland and to derive maximum benefit from tourism across Northumberland.

The scheme which is proposed near Ridsdale in Northumberland was refused planning permission at Northumberland’s West Area Planning Committee in June 2010 despite being recommended for approval and strong local support. Waterfalls Estate appealed against the decision at a hearing lasting 2 days and are awaiting a decision in March 2010.

Although the decision as to whether or not the scheme is granted planning permission now lies with the Planning Inspectorate, the ATMaP document was used to assist the Local Authority in assessing the Waterfalls Estate planning application which was recommended for approval by Northumberland County Council’s planning officers in June 2010.

The Waterfalls project was assessed by the Culture & Tourism Board, and subsequently endorsed by the Northumberland Tourism Board for inclusion in Northumberland’s ATMaP. The panel included representatives from the Northumberland County Council, Kielder Water & Forest Park, Northumberland Coast AONB (on behalf of the landscape partnerships), and Northumberland Tourism.

Sherod Walker, the entrepreneur driving the scheme forward, said: “I’m absolutely delighted that the board have assessed the scheme and considered it to be of strategic importance to the county. To be included in the document alongside the likes of Seaton Deleval Hall and Housesteads on Hadrian’s Wall is a wonderful achievement.”

“The ATMaP was highlighted throughout the planning officer’s report last June and the officer quite rightly identified that in light of central Government guidance in recent years that planning must become more spatially aware and recognising of objectives beyond those of just the adopted development plan. I have always said there is much more to planning than just policy, we need to look at the bigger picture.”

“We have always contended that the scheme will be of huge importance to the future of tourism in the county. Not only does the scheme have the support from the tourism departments and representatives from the tourism community, but now the scheme has been embedded into the future of Northumberland. All this before we have even been granted planning permission, let alone put a spade in the ground. Hopefully this is a sign of great things to come.”

Caroline Stewart, Deputy Chief Executive of Northumberland Tourism, said: “The aim of the assessment process is for Northumberland’s public / private tourism partnership to understand and prioritise which key strategic projects are being developed in the county.”

“The panel felt that the Waterfalls Estate project addresses accommodation need and demonstrates strong environmental ethos, and it has potential to make a positive contribution to Northumberland’s destination brand. The panel recognised the potential positive economic impact to the area.”