“Given, however 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.

“It is clear to officers that safe and easily accessible parking must be available off-road in order to discourage the public from parking on the side of the A40, or on the road leading to Asthall – which it seems probable they would otherwise do.

“It is likely that both of these alternative scenarios would jeopardise pedestrian safety, cause traffic obstruction, further congestion and would be likely to damage highway verges to the detriment of the unspoiled rural character of the area.

Murray then drew a parallel with the parking predicament at Clarkson’s other venture, his Diddly Squat Farm shop, highlighting the necessity for adequate parking to prevent mayhem.

She continued: “Such a situation has arisen at Diddly Squat Farm which attracts a similarly high number of visitors -whose impact has transformed the roadside verges – and this illustrates the type and level of adverse impacts which are demonstrated as arising from inadequate public parking provision.”

The final verdict stated: “[The] public interest in granting permission outweighs any slight harm caused [by the expansion of the pub].”

The Cotswolds watering hole, previously known as The Windmill, was snapped up by Clarkson in the summer of 2024. His race against time to fling open its doors was documented in his popular Amazon Prime series, Clarkson’s Farm.