Historic England issues statement to Jeremy Clarkson over pub

The former Top Gear and Grand Tour host purchased the watering hole in Asthall near Burford when it was known as The Windmill.

After the £1,000,000 purchase and significant renovations, the spot was opened to the public in the summer of 2024.

Renamed as The Farmer’s Dog to reflect Mr Clarkson’s agricultural pursuits in Oxfordshire, the pub featured heavily in series four of Clarkson’s Farm.

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Jeremy Clarkson outside The Farmer’s Dog pub in Asthall. (Image: Ben Birchall/PA Wire)

The Prime Video documentary, which is set to bring out its fifth series in May, also features his farm, Diddly Squat, in Chadlington as its constant focus.

Just this week, Mr Clarkson has won a planning battle at his Cotswolds pub after a lengthy process.

The 65-year-old’s latest planning application sought permission to use a neighbouring field as an overflow car park ahead of the busy summer months.

West Oxfordshire District Council granted planning permission for Mr Clarkson on March 18.

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The Cotswolds pub. (Image: Ben Birchall / PA)

The council said: “The Farmer’s Dog is an existing business on an established hospitality site, whose popularity encourages an exceptional number of visitors to the local area, in support of the local economy.

“In the very unusual circumstances of this particular case, however, and noting the demonstrated present requirement for off-site parking, the public benefits of granting consent on a temporary basis are considered to outweigh the identified harms.”

Now, Historic England has commended the planning application and issued a statement in reaction.

“Having previously engaged in discussions about the car park and the barrow, we are pleased to see that an application has now been submitted,” said the public body.

“This is a positive step in finalising discussions around parking for the pub.”