Former Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson has reapplied for planning permission for a car park extension on his Oxfordshire farm. The broadcaster's last application rejected by a West Oxfordshire District Council (WODC) planning committee in January.
The new application is for an extension to the existing parking area to “formalise temporary parking” on his property, named Diddly Squat farm, as well as the provision of new access arrangements. It also contains plans for a new storage compound and “associated landscaping”.
The farm, subject of an Amazon Studios series called Clarkson’s Farm, has proved to be a popular attraction for visitors since the show was first broadcast last June. The presenter purchased the farm in 2008 and it was run by a villager.
But when he retired in 2019, the TV star decided to see if he could run it himself. The fly-on-the-wall show has drawn people to the farm shop to buy products such as Cow Juice, rapeseed oil, chutneys and jams.
Reports have previously said neighbours had been left annoyed by the amount of shoppers who have queued for hours to purchase goods. Nearly 70 objections were lodged against the last application online, while 17 comments were supportive.
Those who objected stated it the development would “create further erosion of the tranquillity and would have a significant environmental impact within the Cotswold Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)” while others stated the application would “make the traffic situation worse”.
People who supported the application said the plans would “totally enhance the immediate area around the existing shop” while the proposals around parking and improving the access would “significantly improve the situation.”
Clarkson has been contacted for comment.
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