The pub had been the subject of earlier planning scrutiny over parking, following Clarkson’s previous application to extend car parking provision at the site.
The site, located on the A40 in Asthall near Burford, opened in summer 2024 and has attracted significant footfall following its appearance in the latest series of Clarkson’s Farm. Clarkson purchased the former Windmill pub for a reported £1m.
Planning documents submitted to West Oxfordshire District Council request permission to use an adjacent field as overflow parking.
‘Serious concerns’
Local residents say visitor numbers have created safety risks on surrounding rural roads. Widford resident Mark Leslie said he has “serious concerns” about the current arrangements, claiming they have led to “significant highway safety issues”.
“Vehicles often queue in both directions on the B4047 waiting to turn into the field,” he said. “This is a fast rural road with limited visibility – the newly created car park access is poorly sited on a blind inclined bend – and queues or turning vehicles cause sudden braking, overtaking, and general congestion.”
He added that pedestrian safety is a “major concern”. “Visitors park in the field and walk to and from the venue, crossing both the B4047 and a narrow country lane. There are no adequate pavements or controlled crossing points,” he said.
Asthall Manor owner Rosie Pearson echoed concerns around pedestrian management, stating there is “no reason to think that the high demand will drop any time soon” and that traffic marshals “admit that the pedestrians are often not co-operative in having their movements managed”.
Local support
Other residents support the proposals. Swinbrook resident Lorretta Newton said there is “no alternative” to the overflow car park and that staff “try their best to make sure we are not held up”.
Planning agents for Clarkson said the proposals aim to “ensure that visitors of The Farmer’s Dog can safely access the site, as well as ensuring no errant parking occurs onto the B4047”.
West Oxfordshire District Council will assess the application in due course.
