How Waites Farm Fast-Tracked Their Glamping Business with TruDomes
Starting a glamping business can be challenging, especially when dealing with planning delays. At TruDomes, we often recommend that aspiring glampsite owners join an exempted organisation, which allows them to bypass traditional planning permission and licensing requirements.
One of our latest customers, Waites Farm in Lincolnshire, took this approach and successfully launched a thriving glampsite featuring a TruDomes geodome.
From City Life to Rural Retreat
Lloyd and Carol Hicks dreamed of leaving behind suburban life for a more peaceful, rural setting. After years of searching, they found the perfect escape—an open expanse of farmland in Lincolnshire. By joining The Greener Camping Club, they were able to set up their glampsite without lengthy planning delays.
The Greener Camping Club, established in 2015, supports environmentally friendly camping and welcomes applications from glamping businesses that meet their sustainability criteria. With Waites Farm’s secluded one-acre setting, their membership was quickly approved.
Choosing the Right Glamping Accommodation
Lloyd had been considering a glamping business since 2016, but it took time to convince Carol. After researching various accommodation types, they were drawn to geodomes—particularly after seeing another TruDomes customer, Tractors & Cream.
Why They Chose a TruDomes Geodome
“We looked at a lot of structures but kept coming back to the geodome,” Lloyd explained.
Carol initially preferred safari tents, but after weighing the benefits, they opted for a geodome due to its insulation, durability, and panoramic views.
“We love that it’s wipe-clean, UK-made, and designed for all seasons. Plus, TruDomes being a British company gave us peace of mind for customer support and sustainability.”
Glamping Without Planning Permission
As a Greener Camping Club site, Waites Farm operates under an exemption certificate, allowing them to set up without full planning permission.
TruDomes geodomes are designed to meet these exemption requirements.
“The dome sits on a deck with blocks, meaning no ground anchors are needed. As long as the skirt is covered, it can withstand strong winds. Our site gets 65mph winds in winter, and the dome handles it with ease.”
Sustainable Glamping with TruDomes
Environmental responsibility is a key part of the Greener Camping Club ethos, and Waites Farm prioritses sustainability in its design.
TruDomes geodomes feature fully recyclable aluminium frames, built for long-term durability, reducing maintenance and waste.
“The fewer carbon miles, the better. We see bell tents lasting only a year or two, while geodomes are a long-term solution.”
Luxury Upgrades for an Exclusive Experience
To enhance comfort and style, Lloyd and Carol customised their dome with TruDomes’ optional extras:
- Wood burner – Extends the glamping season for year-round stays.
- Solar fan – Keeps the dome cool in warm weather.
- Bespoke door & porch – Improves weatherproofing and adds a stylish touch.
- Pewter curtains – Blocks out light while complementing the dome’s natural aesthetic.
Exceptional Customer Support
At TruDomes, we pride ourselves on helping our customers throughout their journey. Lloyd and Carol appreciated the expert guidance from Leanne at TruDomes.
“The ordering process was simple, and the after-sales support has been spot-on. We’d absolutely recommend TruDomes—just not to any competitors in Lincolnshire!”
Plans for Future Growth
With a successful first season, Waites Farm is already looking ahead to expansion.
“We’re planning to add more domes and plant more trees each year to create a woodland feel with open glamping spaces.”
It’s inspiring to see Waites Farm flourishing, and we’re excited to watch their glamping business grow!
For more information on The Greener Camping Club visit https://www.greenercamping.org/
To find out more about Waites Farm Glamping click HERE
