A FARMER turned entrepreneur has been given final approval to create a multi-million pound golf course and hotel on his land.

Simon Weightman - a pacesetter when it comes to agricultural diversification - has already created a trout fishing centre and, together with son, Ivan, yesterday also opened a paintball complex.

Mr Weightman, who farms near Seaham, County Durham, has now won planning approval for his £6m plans to develop an 18-hole golf course, clubhouse, driving range and a 60-bedroom hotel.

The Weightmans had already secured planning permission for 12 golf holes, a clubhouse, driving range and hotel from Easington District Council.

But with their land straddling two authorities, it was only this week that Sunderland council finally gave approval for the remaining holes to be established.

With work well under way on the first phase of the golf course, which includes specially designed ladies tees, Mr Weightman is hopeful he will be ready to start work on the hotel by next year.

Although he has planning permission to build a 125-bedroom hotel, he anticipates initially building a 60 bedroom "affordable hotel" overlooking the golf course.

The leisure complex will largely be established on 180 acres of the family's Sharpley Farm, leaving their adjacent Old Burdon estate to continue as a working farm.

"This is a very exciting time for us and we firmly believe the golf course and hotel will help regenerate this corner of east Durham and prove a boost to tourism, as well as providing much needed facilities and employment.

"We recognised some time ago that we needed to diversify and, though our plans are ambitious and time consuming, we will also continue to farm in tandem with our new ventures."

Peter Coe, Easington District Council's head of regeneration, said: "We view this as a positive development with regard to tourism and jobs.

"There are obvious benefits in improving the district which have been proved by Seaham Hall Hotel, Dalton Park, Shore Village and proposals under consultation for Seaham Town Council and the harbour area.

"This is resulting in the north part of Easington district becoming an attractive place to invest, live and visit and is a reflection of the growing potential of the area.''