Jeremy Clarkson’s pub in the Cotswolds, The Farmer’s Dog, is now facing a potentially devastating financial setback.
Local concerns over the large car park adjacent to the pub could force it to close, affecting the venue’s ability to cater to hundreds of customers at a time.
This issue has arisen due to the car park’s proximity to a protected historical site – a 1,400-year-old burial mound believed to contain the remains of an Anglo-Saxon warlord.
The burial mound is a listed ancient monument, and there are growing fears that the volume of vehicles parking near it could harm this significant heritage site.
Local Pressure Mounts Over Parking Near Historic Site
The car park, which is crucial for the pub’s operation, is directly next to Asthall Barrow, an ancient burial mound protected by Historic England.
The site, dating back to the seventh century, contains the remains of a high-status individual, possibly a warlord from the Dark Ages.
Local authorities are increasingly concerned about the impact of the car park on the burial mound and are calling for it to be shut down to ensure the protection of this important site.
If this happens, it could significantly reduce the number of patrons who can visit the pub, leading to a major financial blow for Clarkson’s business.
Clarkson’s £1 Million Investment at Risk Due to Parking Dispute
Jeremy Clarkson spent £1 million to take charge of The Farmer’s Dog, a pub close to his base in the Cotswolds, which has become a focal point for fans of his popular TV show Clarkson’s Farm.
He recognized the need for a large car park after his previous venture, the Diddly Squat Farm Shop, caused chaos with traffic congestion.
To avoid similar issues at The Farmer’s Dog, Clarkson leased a nearby 34-acre field, charging £2 per vehicle to park, with part of the fee going to the landowners.
However, the proximity of this field to the historic burial mound is now creating significant local opposition.
A Bitter Dispute Between Clarkson and Local Authorities
Local residents and parish council members are voicing their concerns over the use of this field for parking, especially given its location near the protected burial mound.
The minutes of the latest Asthall Parish Council meetings reveal that members are worried about the long-term impact on the historical site. While Clarkson’s temporary planning agreement to use the field for parking has expired, his team continues to manage the situation with parking attendants ensuring smooth traffic flow.
However, the growing pressure from locals, along with the involvement of the county archaeologist, has created a complex and potentially costly problem for Clarkson.
Historic England’s Concerns Over Ancient Burial Mound
Asthall Barrow, which is located near the car park, is one of the best-preserved examples of Anglo-Saxon burial mounds in West Oxfordshire.
Archaeologists have found valuable artefacts at the site, including human bones, pottery, and bronze items, which suggest the person buried there was likely a significant figure.
The mound’s strategic location, offering commanding views of the surrounding area, further implies that the burial was of a high-status individual.
Given its historical value, Historic England has classified it as a scheduled monument, adding to the complexity of the parking issue.
Possible Alternatives and Future Plans for The Farmer’s Dog
If the car park is forced to close, Clarkson may need to find alternative parking solutions.
The parish council has suggested that a nearby field across the road could be used, but this would require visitors to walk further to the pub or use a shuttle service.
The ongoing discussions with Oxford County Council aim to find a balance between protecting the burial mound and ensuring the viability of Clarkson’s pub business.
Clarkson’s Challenges with Pub Ownership and Upcoming TV Series
As Clarkson faces these mounting issues, he is also dealing with the challenges of running a pub in a highly competitive and unpredictable industry.
He recently described his experience as a “total disaster,” citing various difficulties such as theft, traffic problems, and plumbing issues.
However, he remains committed to the business and is optimistic that the upcoming release of a new series of Clarkson’s Farm, which heavily features The Farmer’s Dog, will bring a surge of customers.
With these developments, Clarkson is facing an uphill battle to keep the pub’s finances in the black, especially with the potential car park closure on the horizon.
What Happens Next for The Farmer’s Dog and Clarkson’s Future?
The outcome of this dispute could have far-reaching consequences not only for Clarkson’s pub but also for his broader business interests.
If the car park issue isn’t resolved, he may have to explore other options, such as securing a new parking field or making significant changes to his operations. Whatever the solution, Clarkson’s pub remains at the center of a contentious debate about preserving historic sites while also supporting local businesses.
With the support of local authorities and ongoing discussions, the future of The Farmer’s Dog will depend on finding a workable compromise that protects both the heritage of the area and the viability of Clarkson’s latest venture.
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!
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