By Islam El-Sakka
Jeremy Clarkson has disclosed a fresh planning dispute with West Oxfordshire District Council that he says jeopardizes nearly 300 jobs across his businesses. The television presenter and farmer applied for permission to lay hard standing in the car park of his pub, The Farmers’ Dog, to prevent the ground from turning to mud during winter.
Council silence threatens winter preparations
Clarkson, 66, wrote in his Sunday Times column that he was offered a large quantity of hardcore material in the summer for the pub’s car park field. Despite repeated requests, he said the council has not responded. “We’ve rung. We’ve begged. We’ve pleaded,” he wrote, warning that without the work, customers will drag mud onto roads all winter.
Similar delays at farm shop
The former Top Gear host said he faces comparable hold‑ups at his farm shop and is still awaiting a decision on what will be permitted there. He emphasized that nearly 300 employees across his enterprises are uncertain about their job security. “All of them want to know if their jobs are secure. And all we can ever tell them is: ‘We don’t know.’”
Criticism of planning system
Clarkson argued that the planning system is broken because too many bodies are invited to comment on each application. He recalled having to consult the police, the Environment Agency, Historic England, Natural England, the parish council, the local water company, the highways department and the county council when seeking to open a restaurant on the land.
Council response
A spokesperson for West Oxfordshire District Council said the application remains under consideration within the statutory timeframe and that they have been in contact with the applicant’s representatives. The council declined further comment while the process is ongoing.
Farming difficulties
Earlier this month, Clarkson told the Conservative Party Conference that British farmers are under attack from rising costs and poor weather, describing the past year as “terrible” for agriculture. He also confirmed that a sixth series of Clarkson’s Farm is in production, with filming nearly complete.
