PLANS for a multi-million pound leisure complex in Upper Redesdale are running into a wall of objections.

Northumberland National Park Authority has said that the fishing lake, log cabins, observatory and cafe on the site of the dilapidated Border Park Service Station north of Rochester would be inappropriate for the national park.

The response stated: “By virtue of the overall scale, style, materials, height and number of proposed buildings, the development would have an urbanising effect on this part of the national park, which would be inappropriate.

“The proposed development would be prominent upon entrance into the national park via the A68, and in this way, the development would likely have a substantial effect upon the landscape character and views both into and out from the park.”

The Environment Agency has also objected, on the grounds of the risks of pollution to the River Rede, which holds one of the few remaining populations of freshwater pearl mussels in the country.

There are also concerns about the impact on archaeological remains in the area.

The application was submitted by Newcastle-based investment company TriPyramid, which has been involved in numerous regeneration projects across the North-East.

The company wants to transform the service station site, unused for a decade, into complex incorporating a fishing lake with a boathouse, craft workshops, luxury lodges, up to a dozen shops, an observatory and possibly an equestrian centre.

The filling station would also be reopened, along with an upgraded cafe to cash in on the tourist trade heading up the scenic A68 route into Scotland via the Carter Bar.

The new fishing lake – Lake Binimy – would be fully stocked, and as well as providing sport for anglers would create a haven for birds and other aquatic species.

The proposed observatory would provide free access to a high-powered 50 inch diameter telescope rivaling the most powerful telescopes in the world.

The Lake Biminy Lodge Café would be a full-service restaurant/cafe featuring a full menu influenced by Asian and French cooking traditions.

There would also be an artisan bakery, and there are also proposals for a farm shop, selling produce supplied by local farmers, an antiques shop and an art shop among others.

The developers say the scheme would create “numerous” jobs in an area markedly lacking in employment opportunities. There would be construction jobs, as well as jobs in cafe/fuel operations, and lodge operations.

The site was likely to attract tourist interest and the applicant has built into the project development of shops that will be leased at low cost to local artists, entrepreneurs, artisans, handicrafts and heritage shops.

The developers say the project “represents a unique opportunity to introduce such tourists to the history and culture of Northumberland, while at the same time bringing a much needed influx back into the local economy.”