Clarkson wins planning permission for Cotswolds pub parking

Planning Permission Granted for Clarkson’s Pub

The 65-year-old former Top Gear and Grand Tour host has received planning permission from West Oxfordshire District Council.

Mr. Clarkson purchased The Farmer’s Dog off the A40 in Asthall, near Burford, in the summer of 2024 for £1 million.

The TV series Clarkson’s Farm showcased the challenging opening of the pub for the August Bank Holiday.

Unlike his Diddly Squat Farm Shop, The Farmer’s Dog has not faced the same planning issues with the local authority.

This month, plans for hard surfacing in both car parks, including the western car park, were approved.

It took just over a year to decide on the planning permission, which is longer than the eight weeks typically needed for a minor application.

Existing permission allows for parking at the site, which has 170 spaces.

Traffic Concerns and Public Interest

West Oxfordshire planning officer Kelly Murray noted that the pub has attracted an “unusual” level of traffic, causing issues for Asthall.

“The number of visitors to the site is reportedly causing congestion along the A40 and also within the village of Asthall itself,” she stated.

However, she added, “Given the established lawful use of the venue as a pub and restaurant, it is not within the scope of the local planning authority’s planning powers to prevent impacts arising from the unusual level of public interest specific to this establishment.”

The pub has drawn thousands of fans from around the world to the Cotswolds, previously known as the Windmill.

After the success of the fourth series of Clarkson’s Farm, visitors have frequently visited the pub, which occupies five acres of land.

Ms. Murray emphasized the need for safe and accessible off-road parking to prevent public parking on the A40 or the road leading to Asthall.

“It is likely that both of these alternative scenarios would jeopardize pedestrian safety, cause traffic obstruction, further congestion, and would likely damage highway verges,” she explained.

“Such a situation has arisen at Diddly Squat Farm, which attracts a similarly high number of visitors, illustrating the adverse impacts from inadequate public parking provision.”

In conclusion, the planning officer stated that the “public interest in granting permission outweighs any slight harm caused” by the “modest” expansion of the “thriving” business.