Clarkson warns Diddly Squat jobs at risk over council planning issues

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 26 Oct, 14:31 · Archive

Jeremy Clarkson has warned that nearly 300 jobs at his Oxfordshire businesses could be at risk due to ongoing planning disputes with West Oxfordshire District Council. Writing in The Sunday Times, Clarkson said he has been unable to get permission to lay hardcore on a field used as a car park at The Farmer's Dog pub before winter, when weather will turn it into a 'mud bath'. He said customers will drag tons of mud onto roads without the work.

Clarkson told the council: 'We've rung. We've begged. We've pleaded. We've explained that if we don't do the work now we will lose the hardcore and, all winter, our customers will be dragging tons of mud onto the roads. And all we get back is silence.' He also said uncertainty surrounds his Diddly Squat Farm Shop near Chipping Norton, adding that staff want confirmation their jobs are secure but 'all we can ever tell them is: We don't know.'

Clarkson said owners of cafés, antique shops and guesthouses in the area benefit from visitors attracted by Diddly Squat and are seeking clarity about the future. The latest issue follows earlier planning disputes between the 66-year-old former Top Gear presenter and the council. In 2022, West Oxfordshire District Council rejected planning applications connected to a new restaurant and car park at Diddly Squat Farm.

How it is being reported

• Diddly Squat jobs at risk as Jeremy Clarkson issues blunt warning to staffDiddly Squat Farm jobs could be at risk as Jeremy Clarkson issued a blunt warning to staff amid ongoing planning issues with the council.Oxford Mail · 26 Oct, 14:00
• Diddly Squat jobs at risk as Jeremy Clarkson issues blunt warning to staffDiddly Squat Farm jobs could be at risk as Jeremy Clarkson issued a blunt warning to staff amid ongoing planning issues with the council.Oxfordshire Guardian · 26 Oct, 14:00

In this story: Jeremy Clarkson · West Oxfordshire District Council · Diddly Squat Farm · Chipping Norton · Oxfordshire

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