The two domes, which measure between six and eight metres in diameter and just over four metres in height, were installed after the smaller camping pods were initially built.
Pub landlord John McMennum, 76, praised the “attraction” and said it should be allowed to stay.
He added: “People travelling through will often stop for a coffee and they will take photographs of them to show their family.”
“They get used by yoga people and it is an ideal place for activities.
“I don’t know why the parish council have rejected it because it’s technically not in their boundary.”
John’s partner Isobel Brand, 66, said: “You only have to look out to the horizon to see all of the windmills and you realise the domes don’t look bad.
“They are interesting for the area and they bring something a little bit different.”
A worker in the village, who did not wish to be named, slammed the council for being “awkward”.
They said: “The domes do not bother me.
“I understand if people say they might not be in keeping with the area but you can hardly see them from where the houses are.
“But those against it are those who won’t want to see any change or improvement to the village.
“There’s rumours of a bypass being built through the village so if that happens then the domes will be the least of our worries.”
Steve Reed, Durham County Council’s planning manager, said: “We fully recognise the contribution The 68 Café makes to our county and economy and as such were pleased to approve the business’ plans for a holiday let and ten glamping pods.
“However in this instance, officers were unable to support the retention of the domes which, after careful consideration, were felt to be harmful to the character, quality and distinctiveness of the local landscape.
“We await the inspector’s decision on the appeal and are happy to advise the café in relation to any proposals it might bring forward in the future, regardless of the outcome.”
Durham County Council’s planning manager Steve Reed slammed the domes as ‘harmful to the character, quality and distinctiveness of the local landscape’[/caption]
