Cafe fears for business after domes rejected
GoogleA roadside cafe which has been told to remove two outdoor domes fears the loss will have a "devastating" impact on the business.
The 68 Cafe in Toft Hill, near Bishop Auckland in County Durham, must take down the geodesic structures because they obstruct views of the surrounding countryside.
A government planning inspector supported Durham County Council's view that the scale and design of the domes were "harmful" to the local landscape.
"It's devastating that we have to lose the two domes," said cafe manager John Stephenson, adding: "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, were erected nearly three years ago at a cost of more than £160,000.
However, a retrospective planning application was refused by Durham County Council in August 2024, when it was led as a coalition.
Despite acknowledging the local economic and social benefits, the Planning Inspectorate 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."
'Not beaten yet'
The number of people working at the roadside stop-off has grown from 8 to 20 in recent years due to the popularity of the cafe.
But funding pressures remain and staff fear they could lose up to £40,000 per year after removing the domes, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.
"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," Stephenson said.
"The margins are getting smaller and that's why domes like this are so important."
He said the business needed the area to provide extra seating.
"It's very sad because we fought so much to try to keep them," Stephenson added.
"We're not beaten yet and we have a little bit of hope that we can keep the decking."
