‘Clarkson’s law’ allows shops and homes on farmers’ land
FARMERS can convert disused agricultural buildings into homes and shops without planning permission under a new “Clarkson’s clause”.
The Government has cut red tape to allow farmers to more easily diversify their businesses by putting old buildings to new uses.
The reforms are inspired by Jeremy Clarkson’s battles with West Oxfordshire District Council, as featured on his Amazon Prime television show.
In Clarkson’s Farm, the former Top Gear presenter struggles against local government bureaucracy as he attempts to convert disused outbuildings on his 1,000-acre Cotswolds farm into a restaurant and shop.
The Government has today extended permitted development rights to allow farmers to convert unused agricultural buildings for commercial uses.
Mark Spencer, the farming minister, said the move would cut “needless bureaucracy” and make diversification easier.
“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,” he said.
In the show, Clarkson is forced to close a restaurant that he had converted from a former lambing shed.
The local council ordered the eatery to shut in August 2022 after it rejected two planning applications. Clarkson’s farm shop, which occupies a former barn, remains open and is a popular tourist attraction, selling local produce and memorabilia.
The Government’s new rule changes also mean that farmers will now be able to convert a building into as many as 10 homes, double the previous limit of five.