Tourist Accommodation Proposals Booming as Teesdale Capitalizes on Visitor Surge

Tourism growth in Teesdale (United Kingdom) has increased inquiries from locals about providing tourist accommodations.

According to a report, a freedom of information request has revealed all the pre-planning discussions at County Durham from January last year to the middle of last month.

There are 32 separate discussions on the possibility of creating and increasing accommodations for tourists in the dale. This could be because of a surge in demand triggered by the COVID-19 travel restrictions in foreign countries, in addition to Barnard Castle‘s resurgence in popularity.

It also includes a plan for High Force Hotel in Forest-in Teesdale to extend its facilities with shepherd’s huts, tree lodges, and parking for campervans.

A formal planning application has not been filed for the project. However, there have been discussions about upgrading parking spaces at the hotel and developing a new visitor center.

Cross Lanes Organic Farm Shop managers have also been in early discussions about the possibility of a glamping site adjacent to their award-winning store and cafe located off the A66.

The data reveals the conversations prospective applicants have had with Durham County Council.

The talks, which could cost thousands of pounds for the applicant, might come to nothing. However, they can advise prospective developers and owners of the pre-requisites needed to get a thumbs up from planners.

Property Owners of 35 Stainton, North Barnley at Eggleston, to the northeast of Jobs Lodge in Woodland, Bail Hill Road in Mickleton, East Corn Park in Baldersdale, Hunter House Farm in Kelton, and land off the B6282 at Butterknowle have all had discussed the possibility of glamping pods on-site or converting barns to holiday accommodations. There have also been discussions about the possibility of converting a former wartime observation post at Black Horse Terrace, Woodland, into two-bedroom holiday accommodation.

Property owners have made inquiries on becoming certified campsites that can accommodate up to five caravans at Thornberry Lane in Bowes, Viewforth at Marwood, and 298 Toft Hill Lane in Toft Hill.

Managers at Thorpe Farm caravan park, close to Greta Bridge, considered converting land to the north of their site for more static holiday units.

The idea of a stopover site for five motorhomes on land southwest of a caravan storage facility at Glen Lyon, in Stainton Grove, was also considered.

After meetings with Durham planners, several planning applications have been submitted for tourism schemes.

Charlotte Snowdon, from Hudegate Farm, in Middleton-in-Teesdale, has submitted plans to create a luxury glamping development on grazing land, reducing the number of pods from an initial ten to four.

Mark and Wendy Burton of Bowfield Farm in Boldron are requesting to expand the number of pitches for caravans from five to fifteen.

The pre-planning applications are not usually made public, but Staindrop Parish Council has been one of those who have called for greater transparency in the planning process.