The opposition by West Oxfordshire District Council (WODC) to the planned developments of Farm Shop and Restaurant at Diddly Squat farm threatens the livelihood of local farmers and employment of further staff to run the enterprise.

The role of any District Council is to be fair and reasonable to all applicants with any planning permission. For anyone who has watched 'Clarkson's Farm' it is obvious that fair play has been replaced by witch hunt mentality and a more than unfair victimisation of Clarkson and his team.

All the necessary boxes had been ticked by the relevant authorities, including the big one from the AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) Authority when the application was submitted.

The planning meeting revealed how protocols can be ignored by individual councillors who have their own agenda. 

The installation of two kilometres of yellow police cones and the blocking of permission for a farm track on Clarkson's own land further reveals the intent to block every aspect of development at Diddly Squat.

Here is WODC's response to their decision making......

"We understand that the planning process shown in Season 2 of Clarkson's Farm can seem obstructive and that people will be confused by the planning decisions at Diddly Squat Farm".

"As with any other planning authority, we have a legal responsibility to make sure that planning laws and policies are followed correctly by everyone to manage development and protect local communities and the environment"

If that were the case we would have seen a different outcome to the planning permission. The fact that to appeal to the Secretary of State costing around half a million effectively ends any appeal process highlights how a District Council will always get their way. Whether by fair means or foul. 

Anyone who applauds what Clarkson and his team are trying to do may wish to sign this petition. It would also be a nice thought that if half a million could be raised, common sense may yet prevail with Secretary of State intervention.