Jeremy Clarkson Faces Fresh Planning Dispute Over Cotswolds Pub Parking
Jeremy Clarkson is facing another planning dispute in the Cotswolds, this time over the use of an overflow car park linked to his pub, The Farmer’s Dog.
The former Top Gear and The Grand Tour presenter, 65, recently secured planning permission for a permanent 170-space car park and the formalisation of staff parking at the site in Asthall, just off the A40. The approval was granted earlier this month by West Oxfordshire District Council.
Overflow Car Park Remains Unresolved
Despite the approval, a separate issue remains unresolved. Clarkson has been leasing a nearby field which has been used as an overflow car park during busy periods at the pub. A retrospective planning application was submitted in September 2025 seeking permission to retain the temporary use of the land to support the restaurant.
In the application, planners were told the pub had “proven to be very popular” since opening just over a year ago, creating demand that exceeded the capacity of on-site parking.
The statement explained that the land was initially used under temporary development rights allowing up to 28 days’ use per calendar year. However, those limits were exceeded, prompting the local planning authority to request a formal application to regularise the arrangement.
Parish Council Raises Safety and Heritage Concerns
Asthall Parish Council has since raised concerns on behalf of local residents. Minutes from a meeting held in December show councillors discussed issues including road safety, the number of parking spaces required, pedestrian crossings, and the temporary nature of the overflow arrangement.
In a letter submitted to the planning portal, the parish council acknowledged the need for adequate parking to prevent congestion and verge parking but stressed that safety considerations must be addressed.
The council said the entrance to the overflow car park should be assessed with input from traffic police, and highlighted worries about pedestrians crossing the A40, where vehicles can travel at speed.
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Decision Still Pending
The retrospective application has not yet been determined. The council’s planning website lists the application expiry date as December 23, with no final decision published so far.
Potential Impact on the Pub
Any decision to close the overflow car park could have a significant impact on the business. The pub relies heavily on customers arriving by car, and reduced parking capacity could limit visitor numbers, particularly during peak periods.
The outcome of the planning decision is expected to play a key role in shaping the long-term operation of Clarkson’s Cotswolds pub.
