A County Durham glamping business is facing an ongoing planning dispute over two geodesic domes at its site. 

Country Glamping Ltd, which operates at The 68 Café in Toft Hill, installed the domes as communal retreat spaces for guests, but Durham County Council has rejected the plans to retain them, citing concerns about their impact on the local landscape.

The council’s planning officers determined that the size, design, and “incongruous nature” of the domes caused “unacceptable harm to the character, quality and distinctiveness” of the area, according to a report published by Northern Echo.

The structures, which range between six and eight meters in diameter and stand between 3.62 and 4.8 meters in height, were compared to the height of a single-story building. Despite their functional benefits for visitors, officials expressed concerns over their aesthetic impact.

Country Glamping Ltd argues that the domes provide essential indoor space for activities such as yoga and other recreational pursuits, particularly during adverse weather conditions. 

“The domes provide a communal, indoor retreat area for guests to carry out yoga and other recreational activities, especially during inclement weather. Additionally, the pods have been opened up to the wider community to be used as a local benefit,” the company stated.

Beyond visitor experience, the company has emphasized the economic ramifications of removing the structures. 

The business estimates an annual loss of £40,000 if the domes are dismantled, a financial strain that could affect the viability of both the glamping operation and its affiliated café. 

“With this predicted loss in revenue, they would face a significant financial shortfall, making it impossible to sustain their operations,” a statement read.

The company also noted the potential ripple effects on local suppliers, cleaning services, and employees who depend on the business. 

The café, which benefits from glamping guests, could see reduced foot traffic, further impacting its contribution to the regional economy.

The case is now being reviewed by the UK government’s Planning Inspectorate, which will determine whether the domes can remain in place. 

A decision is expected later this year. The outcome could have broader implications for outdoor hospitality operators seeking to balance functional expansion with local planning regulations.