Staff at a busy roadside cafe fear the loss of two outside domes will have a “devastating” impact on the business’s future, writes Local Democracy Reporter Bill Edgar.
The 68 Cafe in Toft Hill, County Durham, has been told to take down the geodesic structures on raised decking because they obstruct picturesque views of the surrounding countryside.
A Government Planning Inspector supported Durham County Council’s view that the scale and design of the domes are harmful to the local landscape.
John Stephenson, cafe manager, said: “It’s devastating that we have to lose the two domes. We hope to keep the decking, as it’s a nice area overlooking the dales.
“It would be a disaster if we lost both. We would lose a lot of revenue.”
The domes, which are filled with yoga equipment and games, have been praised by customers for increasing interest in the area and play a vital role in attracting group bookings and retreats.
Measuring up to eight metres in diameter and four metres in height, they were erected nearly three years ago at a cost of more than £160,000 alongside 10 glamping pods as part of the cafe’s expansion.
But a retrospective planning application was refused by Durham County Council in August 2024.
The number of people working at the roadside stop has grown from 8 to 20 in recent years due to the popularity of the cafe. Despite the high footfall, funding pressures continue to hang over the business.
And now, staff fear they could lose up to £40,000 per year after removing the domes.
Mr Stephenson added: “For small businesses like ourselves, it’s a constant battle to stay afloat. Business rates are rising, wages and the price of produce are increasing. The margins are getting smaller and that’s why domes like this are so important.
“It’s very sad because we fought so much to try to keep them. Our customers come to the cafe and support us throughout the year, so we need to keep the area to provide extra seating.”
Despite acknowledging the local economic and social benefits, the Planning Inspector ruled they do not outweigh the harmful impact on the character and appearance of the area.
A report concluded: “Whilst the visual impact of the domes, decking and timber building, may be reasonably localised in extent, the development nevertheless represents a harmful intrusion in the landscape, which causes significant harm to the character and appearance of this countryside location.”
Yet, staff refuse to give up. “We’re not beaten yet and we have a little bit of hope that we can keep the decking,” said Mr Stephenson.
Bill Edgar
Reporter for the Local Democracy Reporter Service.
