Jeremy Clarkson finally opens car park at Diddly Squat Farm after council battle

Jeremy Clarkson shares man appearing to steal from farm shop

Jeremy Clarkson has finally opened a car park at his Diddly Squat Farm after battling with the West Oxfordshire council for months over the move.

Once Jeremy Clarkson opened the car park it went down a storm with fans who flooded the parking bays creating two-hour waits to get in.

The TV presenter turned farmer personally oversaw the construction of the new facility and was spotted at the site wearing a hard hat and fluorescent high-vis jacket to inspect the works before it opened.

His show Clarkson’s Farm on Amazon Prime Video was a huge hit and has brought legions of fans to the area.

The creation of the new parking area in an adjacent field was finally approved by the West Oxfordshire District Council in June in a rare planning victory for the star.

Previously the council had refused to grant permission for the car park to go ahead as they claimed the area was an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

However, this forced customers to park up on verges surrounding country roads causing chaos and delays for the residents of nearby Chadlington.

READ MORE Gemma Atkinson nearly died after giving birth as Gorka sobbed in worrying ordeal

But despite creating 70 parking spaces to relieve pressure on country lanes around his Diddly Squat Farm Shop, it struggled to cope with legions of fans who had arrived hoping for a glimpse of the TV star.

Staff were soon forced to open another field where a further 100 cars could park on the grass just a five-minute walk away.

Mum Suzanne told MailOnline: “We love the show and when we were talking about where to go on our annual caravan holiday, our son Jack said it had to be close to Diddly Squat Farm so here we are.“

Jack, 11, said: “I have always wanted to come here since I started watching the show. I just find it hilarious watching Clarkson trying to farm.”

The former Top Gear presenter appealed against West Oxfordshire District Council’s rejection of plans to open a restaurant and build an extra car park at his farm in Chadlington back in June.

Don’t miss…
Dan Walker on reason he’d ‘never be partners’ with Strictly’s Janette Manrara[LATEST]
Strictly’s Layton Williams gives major insight into show partner[NEWS]
Strictly’s Amy Dowden to get special show dedication during brave cancer battle[UPDATE]

In a decision issued (June 14) the Planning Inspectorate finally gave permission for the car park extension.

Planning permission for the car park was granted for three years and a restoration of the site would need to be completed following that period.

Cllr Andy Graham, Leader of the Council, said, “We are grateful for the clarity that this decision gives us and we look forward to working with Mr Clarkson and the Diddly Squat Farm team for the benefit of the West Oxfordshire economy and residents.

“We offer constructive pre-application advice to all businesses and residents and will be happy to work with Diddly Squat on any future plans.

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

“Our door has always been open and will remain open.

“We are also pleased with the decision made by the Planning Inspector to grant a temporary car park at the site.

“There is no doubt that in many ways Diddly Squat Farm has had a really positive impact, both locally and nationally, but it needs to operate within planning law and policy to make sure the activities on the site are carried out in a way that limits the impact on the AONB, the environment and local area.”

Source: Read Full Article