Ambitious plans for a £1.5 million visitor complex - including a heritage centre, bistro and microbrewery - on the edge of Hadrian’s Wall could come to a halt.

Businessman Ian Hunter had plans approved by Allerdale Planning Committee to transform a derelict farm site in Bowness-on-Solway into the county’s latest visitor attraction.

Mr Hunter along with business partner David Gaddes want to capitalise on the growing interest from visitors and locals in the World Heritage Site with the quiet village sitting on top of the old Roman for Maia.

Their plans to overhaul the site include creating a heritage centre which will document the area’s well-known links with Hadrian’s Wall as well its rich local history.

Mr Hunter believe they have discovered a gap in the market and that this complex is completely unique but blocks from Allerdale planning along the way has resulted in him wondering if it is all worth it.

He explained: “I’ve been lied to the whole time.

“Every step along the way I’ve been threatened with prosecution.

“Planners sent a letter saying I would be prosecuted if I didn’t remove timber cladding from one of my buildings.”

Mr Hunter claims he was also threatened with prosecution for having motorhomes on his own property as well as backtracking on agreements over listed buildings.

He added: “I intend to take action against Allerdale Council if they continue to try and block me all the way like they have been.

“Every move they have been trying to stop the project when they should be supporting it.”

Mr Hunter bought a property in Bowness about eight years ago, next door to Mr Gaddes, and the pair have since become friends and decided to work together on this venture.

A spokesman for Allerdale Council said: “Allerdale Council granted planning permission and listed building consent in 2016 for the conversion of existing farm buildings at Bowness House Farm to create holiday lets, a cafe and a Hadrian’s Wall heritage centre. In granting permission the Council acknowledged the benefits of the scheme to the tourist economy, jobs and securing the viable use of redundant listed buildings.

“Since 2016 Council officers have engaged proactively with Mr Hunter when amendments to the scheme were proposed and to agree details which were the subject of conditions of the original approvals.

“However, the Council also received a number of complaints from concerned third parties in relation to aspects of the development including unauthorised uses of parts of the site and variations to the approved plans.

“We respond to all queries and, given that the site includes listed buildings, visits to investigate matters were prioritised as per the Council’s approved planning enforcement policy.

“Whilst some matters investigated were not breaches or were subsequently regularised, there are some issues that remain part of an ongoing investigation.”