There is now officially the so-called ‘Clarkson’s Clause’ in UK law thanks to the efforts of Jeremy Clarkson in hit Amazon Prime Video series Clarkson’s Farm.
From today, farmers no longer need to apply for planning permission to convert unused buildings into new homes or shops.
The policy change was made after the 64-year-old’s local council shut down his Diddly Squat farm restaurant after it was first opened without permission.
The order for the closure of the restaurant was made after two planning applications were rejected by West Oxfordshire District Council.
The UK government said the new law will give farmers across England ‘greater freedom to diversify and grow their business.’
Jeremy was also previously embroiled in a row with this local authority over another planning permission woe.
The former Top Gear presenter had sought to extened the car park at his on-site shop, near Chipping Norton in Oxfordshire, due to rising visitor numbers.
The council eventually granted permission for the extension and change of use of land – but have held firm on their decision on the restaurant.
However, Jeremy later admitted there was a silver lining to his issues with the council – it made great TV.
In his column for The Sun in February, he recalled how after the first season of the show aired he was told: ‘If you want a storyline for the next series, try getting planning permission for something.’
Earlier this month, the third season of Clarkson’s Farm – which has been a ratings smash for Amazon – was released.
The success of the series was even linked to a recent spike in demand for British producer, including meat, fish, fruit and vegetables, according to Ocado Retail.
Clarkson’s Farm had introduced Lion’s Mane mushrooms to its crop, with Ocado data showing search for the product went up 482% in a week.
Speaking about ‘Clarkson’s Clause’, Farming Minister Mark Spencer said: ‘I am extremely pleased to support our farmers and provide them the freedom to decide the best uses for buildings on their land, without needless bureaucracy holding them back.
‘We are listening to farmers and putting them at the heart of future development of our rural areas. Helping farmers secure their businesses and get on with the important job of producing food is our top priority.’
Minister for Housing, Planning and Building Safety Lee Rowley said the changes were part of the government’s ‘longterm plan for housing to deliver more homes for rural communities and reform the planning system, removing unnecessary barriers to development..’
Rowley added: ‘Farmers are the lifeblood of communities, and these changes give them the freedom to grow their businesses, and plan for their futures.’
