Jeremy Clarkson is once again entangled in a local council dispute, this time concerning his cherished Cotswolds pub, The Farmer’s Dog. The former Top Gear presenter, who now graces screens on Amazon Prime, has submitted an application to the West Oxfordshire District Council, seeking approval to modify the staff car park and expand parking capacity for customers.
The surge in visitors to the Chipping Norton establishment since Clarkson’s ownership has prompted this request. While the Oxfordshire County Council has not objected to the proposal, they have cautioned that if the planning authority deems the car parks not to be an “established lawful use,” Clarkson may be required to file a new application, inclusive of comprehensive traffic assessments and evaluations of potential flood risks.
Clarkson’s representative has asserted that the current permission allows for accommodating up to 170 vehicles and clarified that the intention behind the application is to secure authorization for maintaining the existing hard surfaces. Urging the council to expedite the approval process “without delay,” Clarkson’s representative emphasized the need for swift action, as reported by the Express.
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This episode adds to Clarkson’s history of disputes with local authorities, particularly regarding parking concerns and a restaurant at his Diddly Squat Farm, which has garnered attention from fans of his show “Clarkson’s Farm” on Amazon Prime. The proposed enhancements to the pub form part of an overarching strategy to improve facilities for the growing throngs of enthusiasts frequenting the area.