Durham County Council has rejected a proposal to establish a glamping and touring caravan site in Easington, citing concerns over sustainability and landscape impact. 

The plan, submitted by Colin Miller, included ten glamping pods, space for up to ten touring caravans, a farm shop, an office, and supporting infrastructure such as a shower block, waste storage, and parking. The project was expected to create six jobs, with four full-time and two part-time positions.

The council’s decision, issued on March 28, was based on multiple factors, primarily the site’s reliance on private car access and the potential adverse effects on the local landscape. 

The site, a greenfield area west of Moor House Farm, has a planning history linked to equestrian use. While access roads were previously approved in 2020, highway officials raised concerns about visibility and traffic safety, recommending additional measures such as double white lines, signage, and bollards.

According to council documents, the landscape impact was deemed “moderate to major,” with officials concluding that proposed tree planting would not sufficiently mitigate the development’s effect. 

Public feedback echoed these concerns, with two objections highlighting the site’s car dependency, its scale relative to the surrounding rural area, and drainage-related flood risks.

The project design incorporated sustainability features, including EV chargers, solar panels, and recycled materials. 

The glamping pods were envisioned with turf-covered roofs and timber exteriors to blend with the environment, while the proposed farm shop aimed to support local producers. Despite these measures, the council determined that the development’s overall impact outweighed its benefits.

The case highlights ongoing challenges for rural tourism developments seeking approval in areas with strict planning regulations. 

For outdoor hospitality operators, this decision underscores the importance of addressing local transport infrastructure, landscape preservation, and integration with existing land use when proposing new sites. 

“The proposal would result in a permanent loss of farmland,” the council noted in a report by The Northern Echo, emphasizing the need for careful site selection in future applications.