Oxford News
Jeremy Clarkson reignites council row with new farm plans bid
The star faced a much-publicised battle with the council to resolve car parking woes at his Diddly Squat Farm as visitors flocked to the site due to the success of the television series Clarkson’s Farm.
Permission was eventually granted on appeal in June 2023 to extend the temporary car park on land previously used for agriculture to deal with the influx.
Under the imposed conditions, Clarkson was ordered to return the land to its original state within three years, which would give them a deadline of June this year.
But with the ongoing success of the show, his team have now applied for planning permission to extend this deadline until the end of 2030.
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The Planning Inspectorate approved the car parking extension to combat severe traffic issues on the surrounding rural roads, but refused plans for a permanent restaurant there.
His representatives said the original conditions needed amendment as season six has already been commissioned, which will air in summer 2027.
When the original permission was granted on appeal, the second series had just been aired, and the length of impact on the surrounding area wasn’t clear, they said.
His representatives said: “Season five will air this year, and season six has been commissioned and will air in summer 2027. Three further years to monitor and review thereafter seems appropriate.”
His team said the planning application to West Oxfordshire District Council was to amend two previously approved conditions.
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They added: “Both conditions impose a time limit on the operation of the site and use of adjacent land for car parking.
“The reason for imposing the condition is clearly set out in the Inspector’s decision letter, when considering the planning balance.
“That was to allow continued monitoring of the effects of the use and associated demand for parking, in light of the success or otherwise of the undertaking and in the context of whether the associated television programme would continue to be commissioned.
“At the time of the appeal, the second series had just aired, and it was renewed for a third series.
“The three-year time limit was chosen on the basis that if the third series was the final one, then two years of monitoring after airing was sufficient to assess demand.
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“It is currently renewed for the fifth series, which is yet to air.
“The site continues to be popular and attracts sufficient customers to warrant the provision of additional parking.
“It maintains the associated benefits to the farms and other businesses that supply the farm shop and café, and in turn the economic and social well-being of the wider area.
“The provision of the dedicated additional parking and careful monitoring by the applicants has also ensured that parking on the adjacent highway is precluded.
“The landscaping around the car park area has started to mature and assists in assimilating the site into the surrounding landscape and existing sylvan backdrop.”
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Clarkson’s team said there were ‘unique circumstances’ that should allow them a second temporary consent while acknowledging it wasn’t ‘normal to do so.’
They added: “In light of the continued popularity of the site and associated television programme, we are requesting a further extension of the limited period consents for the use and associated development to provide car parking.
“Whilst it is normal to only grant one temporary consent, it also confirms that it is justifiable in cases where changing circumstances provide a clear rationale for doing so.
“The application site is one such case and set of unique changing circumstances. The Inspector clearly identified that the association with a popular current television programme is a unique circumstance which generates a time-limited demand.
“The rationale is clear – at such time as the television programme no longer airs, then demand may reduce, and the parking required for the operation of the farm shop can be assessed and appropriate provision made.
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“It is true to say that the impacts of the car parking area and use are only associated with the number of customers, and as such, even if the temporary period consented is longer than ultimately required, that does not preclude earlier remediation if demand wanes.
“In any event, if the additional car park is not in use, it will not have the same landscape impact compared to when it is full.
“Given the advice of the Government that a series of temporary consents is less desirable, it is in our view prudent to allow a second period of appropriate length to cover the potential period of significant public interest in the site.
“We trust officers will support these proposals. If you wish to discuss any matters in this.”
No further documents or public representations have so far been submitted, and a decision will be made by West Oxfordshire District Council at a later date.
Zion Zion, of Bierton Road, Aylesbury, was due to appear at Oxford Crown Court over a video link from hospital on Monday, June 15.
The 65-year-old is charged with two counts of sexual assault which relate to an incident in Oxford on January 7, 2023.
Zion has refused to co-operate with the proceedings so far and did not appear over the video link.
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Due to his refusal to co-operate, Zion is unrepresented.
During a previous court hearing, not guilty pleas were entered on the defendant’s behalf.
A trial date was previously given for November 22, 2027.
On June 15, the court heard an expert’s report had concluded Zion was not fit to plead.
The case will next be heard on August 17 to decide if the case will continue.
Oxfordshire County Council today (June 15) published a long-awaited report by Survation Ltd on the impact of the controversial congestion charge on 300 businesses across the city.
It presents a survey carried out by Indiefield on businesses in postcodes from OX1 to OX4 between April 30 and May 15.
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The survey found that the most common pressure reported by businesses was rising costs (69 per cent), while economic uncertainty and transport or travel costs followed closely as key pressures, reported 61 per cent of businesses.
The survey found shop-front businesses, including retail, hospitality and tourism, were most likely to report the congestion charge has had a negative overall effect at 47 per cent compared to 24 per cent for other business types.
Shop-front businesses were similarly most to say to the charge has decreased customer numbers (58 per cent versus 18 per cent), made deliveries or servicing more difficult (57 per cent versus 33 per cent), and increased operating costs (43 per cent versus 33 per cent).
Across business types, 39 per cent said deliveries or servicing has become more difficult and more businesses have reported customer decreases (29 per cent) than increases (21 per cent).
However, overall, most businesses in Oxford said they are performing well (72 per cent) and 79 per cent of businesses who gave a view on their performance compared to a year ago said they are doing the same or better.
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The council’s survey indicated that nearly half of businesses (48 per cent) reported no noticeable effect from the congestion charge, while 30 per cent reported negative impacts and 22 per cent positive.
Spend in Oxford’s suburban food and beverage destinations has gone down more than average with comparable cities, and businesses with mobile or transport-intensive operations reported sharper pressures on their trade, particularly around costs and travel.
Councillor Gareth Epps, Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet member for transport, said: “This new data gives us an evidence-based picture of how businesses are faring in the city.
“There are many challenges affecting businesses at this time, and data can help us understand what is having an impact.
“While it’s great that nearly 80 per cent of businesses who gave a view on their performance compared to a year ago said they are doing the same or better, it is clear that many are feeling significant pressures due to a number of local and national factors.
“There is still more to do to improve travel in and around Oxford and help keep the city moving.
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“The traffic filters trial, from autumn, is one way we’ll further reduce traffic.”
It’s the first monitoring report on the impact of the temporary traffic scheme on businesses to have been published by the council, after it was initially promised that data would come out in January.
The temporary congestion charge has been in place on six roads in Oxford since October 29, designed to help reduce traffic while Botley Road remains closed and the traffic filter trial is delayed.
The Highcroft Investment Report 2026 shows that the local area around Berkeley’s Highcroft development in Wallingford has become one of the county’s most compelling property investment locations.
Wallingford’s appeal is already being recognised more widely, with Wallingford ranked the number one best place to live in Oxfordshire and one of the top 50 in England and Wales.
Set on the River Thames, it has a historic town centre, independent shops, riverside walks and easy access to the Chilterns.
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The report, commissioned by Berkeley and prepared by PriceHubble and Dataloft, shows that property values in the local area have risen sharply.
This is a rise of 15.1 per cent over the past five years, outperforming South Oxfordshire, Oxford, the South East and Greater London.
In fact, the local area has seen five times stronger growth than Greater London, and national sales prices are forecast to grow by a further 20.4 per cent by 2030.
Rental performance reflects this demand, with average rents in the local area around Highcroft having risen by 38 per cent over the past five years, with a further 17.6 per cent rental growth forecast across the UK by 2030.
At the same time, Wallingford continues to offer relative value compared with nearby higher-priced locations.
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Average sales prices are up to 24 per cent lower than Oxford and 30 per cent lower than Greater London.
Set close to Wallingford town centre and the River Thames, the Highcroft offers a thriving new community with a collection of two- to five-bedroom homes set within 18 acres of open space in South Oxfordshire.
The development is well placed for commuters, with Didcot Parkway station just a 13-minute drive away.
According to the report by PriceHubble and Dataloft, 57,620 jobs are accessible within a 60-minute public transport commute of the development, with 33 per cent of those jobs in scientific, professional, financial and tech sectors.
Stephen Kirwan, managing director, said: “Wallingford offers a rare combination of historic market town living, strong connectivity and access to major employment hubs across Oxfordshire, Berkshire and London.
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“The report shows that the local area around Highcroft has delivered strong price growth over the past five years, while still offering relative value compared with Oxford and Greater London.
“For buyers and investors, that combination of lifestyle and connectivity with long-term growth potential is increasingly compelling.
“At Highcroft, we are creating a new community that reflects the character of Wallingford while supporting the area with new homes, green space, education, infrastructure and local amenities.”
As part of the wider plans for Highcroft, Berkeley is delivering 555 new homes, alongside more than £11.6 million of investment in local infrastructure.
The development includes a new primary school, 2.2 acres of sports pitches, play areas, allotments, a new bus route, footpath connections and around 18 acres of open space.
Homes at Highcroft start from £415,000.
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