Diddly Squat Farm has gained notoriety as a result of the 2021 premiere of the hit television series Clarkson’s Farm. After opening a restaurant at the location earlier this year, Jeremy Clarkson is now in difficulty with the local government, but he is fighting back…
The local council has ordered Jeremy Clarkson to close the restaurant and cafe on his Oxfordshire estate for violating planning restrictions.
After receiving a notice of enforcement from the West Oxfordshire District Council in August, the 62-year-old broadcaster has filed an appeal.
Clarkson’s Diddly Squat Farm in Chadlington has gained widespread recognition with the June 2021 premiere of the Clarkson’s Farm television series.
He opened the farm eatery in July, six months after the council denied his proposal.
The authority stated in its enforcement notice over the “material change of use” that the parking, toilets, and traffic are “visually invasive and detrimental to the rural character, scenic beauty, and tranquility” of the Cotswold AONB (area of outstanding natural beauty).
The notification read, “The unlawful use of Diddly Squat Farm is unsustainable and incompatible with its open countryside position due to its nature, size, and location.”
Clarkson was instructed to close the restaurant and anything else selling food for consumption on the farm and to remove all dining tables, chairs, parasols, and picnic tables from the property.
The notice was scheduled to take effect on September 12, barring an appeal filed by the former Top Gear host a few days earlier.
Agents for Clarkson argue that the council’s decision is “extreme” and that the property’s developments do not violate any planning regulations.
The John Phillips Planning Consultancy argued in their appeal that there has been no “substantial modification” to the site and that the sale of food and usage of tables and chairs are “legal.”
Their notice of appeal stated, “The appellant will demonstrate that the proposed development will not be visually intrusive or detrimental to the rural character, scenic beauty, or tranquility of the area.”
In addition, they stated that it would take longer than the six weeks allotted by the council to remove the objects.
Before Clarkson’s 2008 purchase, the farm was owned by a local. Nonetheless, in 2019 he decided to attempt it himself.
Visitors have rushed to the shop to purchase Cow Juice, rapeseed oil, chutneys, and jams after the popularity of Clarkson’s Farm, which chronicled his antics for a year and was renewed for a second season.
According to prior reports, the large number of shoppers who waited for hours to purchase products has irritated some nearby residents.
In September 2021, Clarkson admitted that the farm had “overrun” the community, but he told Jeremy Vine: “The village shop, the village cafe, and the country pub are all doing better.
They are swarmed by customers, but these customers are spending money.
The Planning Inspectorate, a federal agency, has deemed his appeal acceptable and accepted it; the council and Clarkson must provide their final remarks before the end of November.
A hearing date has not yet been established.
