Jeremy Clarkson has finally won a significant planning victory for his Cotswolds pub, ending a dispute that lasted over a year. The decision will allow the Clarkson's Farm star to proceed with upgrades at The Farmer's Dog in Burford, Oxfordshire, much to the delight of his legion of fans.
Planning Approval Granted for Car Park Upgrade
West Oxfordshire District Council has given the green light to Clarkson's application to install hard surfacing across both car parks at his establishment. The decision, reported by the Oxford Mail, was reached this month after a protracted waiting period exceeding twelve months.
Planning officer Kelly Murray acknowledged in her verdict that the pub's immense popularity had created difficulties for the nearby village of Asthall, attracting an "unusual" volume of traffic. She noted that visitor numbers were causing congestion along the A40 and within Asthall itself.
Addressing Traffic and Safety Concerns
However, Murray concluded that the council's planning powers could not be used to curb the impacts of the pub's specific fame. The critical issue was safety. The officer stated that providing adequate off-road parking was essential to discourage visitors from parking dangerously on the A40 or the road to Asthall.
"It is clear to officers that safe and easily accessible parking must be available off-road," Murray wrote. She warned that the alternative would jeopardise pedestrian safety, cause obstructions, and damage highway verges, harming the area's rural character.
Parallels with Diddly Squat Farm
The decision drew a direct comparison to the ongoing parking issues at Clarkson's other venture, the Diddly Squat Farm shop. Murray highlighted that the farm attracts a similarly high number of visitors, whose impact has already transformed roadside verges, illustrating the adverse effects of inadequate parking provision.
The final verdict emphasised that the public interest in granting permission outweighed any slight harm caused by the pub's expansion. Clarkson purchased the pub, formerly known as The Windmill, in the summer of 2024. His frantic efforts to open it were documented in the latest series of his hit Amazon Prime show, Clarkson's Farm.
A Victory for Fans and Business
This planning win represents a major hurdle cleared for Clarkson's hospitality venture. It ensures that the thousands of fans who make pilgrimages to the Cotswolds following the show will have a safer and more organised experience when visiting The Farmer's Dog. The ruling effectively balances the challenges of a hugely popular business with the practical needs of local infrastructure and safety.
