Inside Jeremy Clarkson's planning row that could mean the end for Diddly Squat farm
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A final decision on Jeremy Clarkson’s planning appeals could take a 'number of weeks', the planning inspectorate has revealed - but what do we know about the ongoing row?
One of the main obstacles that Clarkson faced during the second season of Clarkson's Farm was his struggle to get permission to build a car park and restaurant at his farm.
By the end of the second series, it looked like the restaurant would go ahead after all following the apparent discovery of a loophole, which meant it could be built at another building on the farm.
However, West Oxfordshire District Council (WODC) issued Diddly Squat with a list of conditions they demanded be met within six weeks and this deadline passed without them being satisfied, with Clarkson later saying he 'no longer wished' to open a restaurant.
The former Top Gear host has since appealed against the decisions and a planning meeting was held over multiple days in March to judge his appeal - and he's currently waiting for a decision.
While Clarkson himself did not attend, Clarkson's Farm regular Charlie Ireland was in attendance.
The broadcaster later said on Twitter that while it may 'sound like a civil war is raging', he was confident that the process would end with a compromise being reached, so perhaps he'll get some of what he wants.
With the original planning application taking about two months to come to verdict, it's likely to take between six-eight weeks until he hears back.
Clarkson also shared his thoughts on the widely-covered planning meeting that's been taking place as he tries to expand his Diddly Squat Farm Shop.
"I'd never have thought so much of the country would be invested in the size of a car park, but here we are," he said.
He wants to use a field next to the farm shop as a car park with capacity for around 70 vehicles, and locals have complained about 'hordes of petrolheads' visiting Diddly Squat and having to park their cars all down the road.
He also received mixed responses with regards to the request, with one local claiming people came to the area to 'show off their cars' and block roads, saying: "I don't think the people who come are particularly respectful."
However, several locals have spoken out in support of Clarkson's plans for a car park after saying there is a danger posed to schoolchildren in the area.
And planning documents for the car park show that an appeal has been made to West Oxfordshire District Council to give the plans the green light.
The appeal reads: "Extension to existing parking area to formalise temporary parking and provision of new access arrangements.
It is also asking to form a 'new storage compound' and 'associated landscaping'.
However, the appeal is still in progress and a decision date is not yet available.
Councillor Dean Temple, who represents Chadlington, said he has received abuse 'from all over the world' but he believes Clarkson was treated 'very fairly' and said the vote to approve or deny plans for a restaurant at Diddly Squad was 'quite close'.
WODC have faced accusations of 'pursuing a personal vendetta' against Clarkson, and issued a statement responding to criticism following the latest season of the Prime Video show.
They said: "We understand that the planning process shown in Season 2 of Clarkson's Farm can seem obstructive and that people will be confused by the planning decisions at Diddly Squat Farm.
"As with any other planning authority, we have a legal responsibility to make sure that planning laws and policies are followed correctly by everyone to manage development and protect local communities and the environment."
"This is regardless of who they are and we treat Diddly Squat Farm no differently."
Clarkson's Farm is available to stream now on Prime Video.
Featured Image Credit: SWNS
Topics: Jeremy Clarkson, Clarkson's Farm, Amazon Prime
