Clarkson’s Farm: Council Responds To Claims Of “Disgusting” Behaviour Towards Jeremy Clarkson
West Oxfordshire District Council (WODC) has faced accusations of unfair treatment towards Jeremy Clarkson, the former Top Gear host, regarding his efforts to open a restaurant on his Diddly Squat Farm. As depicted in the latest season of his Amazon Prime Video show, Clarkson’s Farm, the council has been perceived by viewers as having “shameful, disgusting and just downright wrong behaviour,” imposing an excessive number of obstacles and refusals on Clarkson’s attempts to make additions to the property. The council has now responded to this.
Every time Clarkson has tried to add parking spaces, toilets, or even planned to diversify his revenue with ventures such as a restaurant, he has faced rejection or threats from the council. The struggle culminated in Clarkson’s fight to convert the farm’s lambing barn into an eatery that would serve local produce to visitors.
The council initially opposed this plan, and Clarkson had to fight hard to win the necessary permissions. Eventually, he decided to set up the restaurant in an abandoned barn on the land because its size and age meant he didn’t need planning permission from the council.
Viewers have expressed their anger and disappointment in the council’s apparent vendetta against Diddly Squat. They have called for an official investigation into the practices of the “WODC planning cartel”, with one viewer tweeting that the council’s behavior was “shameful, disgusting, and just downright wrong.” Others have accused the council of singling out Clarkson for unfair treatment, calling its actions “corrupt” and “wasting public money on cones and pursuing a personal vendetta against Clarkson.”
Despite the accusations, the council has maintained that it treats Diddly Squat Farm no differently than any other organization. In a statement responding to the backlash, the WODC said the following:
“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,” WODC said in a statement.
“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.”
However, the controversy has continued to rage on social media, with many viewers expressing their support for Clarkson and their frustration with the council’s handling of the situation. The WODC may find itself under increased scrutiny in the coming weeks as more people become aware of the issue and demand answers.
