Latest news with #ChippingNorton
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Celebs like Jeremy Clarkson are ruining our Cotswold idyll: Chipping Norton locals say influx of famous names is causing 'ridiculous overdevelopment' as they condemn plans for 350 homes
Unhappy homeowners in trendy Chipping Norton have accused celebrities of wrecking their Cotswolds idyll - as they go to battle against plans for 350 new homes. The country town has become a magnet for tourists after the arrival of high-profile figures such as former Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson, ex-England captain Sir David Beckham, Lord Cameron, Jamie Oliver and Kate Moss. The portrayal of picturesque rural life in TV show Clarkson's Farm has been highlighted as helping to drive demand for housing while putting a strain on local infrastructure and public services. A new proposed development involving 350 homes comes close to Clarkson's Diddly Squat Farm and has sparked a backlash from locals saying patience is running thin. Long-term residents have claimed that while Chipping Norton might suggest the promise of a glamorous lifestyle, the reality of living there can be starkly different. And while some fans of Clarkson's Netflix series say they were attracted to moving to the area because of it, some admit they are now regretting their decisions - with complaints that 'there is literally nothing to do'. Jane Hancox and Clare Webb, twin sisters born and raised in Chipping Norton, called the latest housing project an example of overdevelopment driven by the area's newly lofty status. Ms Webb, 49, who works as a cleaner with her sister, said: 'I think Clarkson is good in the way he's bringing money in - but the thing is, the prices are going up. 'There isn't the infrastructure to cope with all the new people coming.' Ms Hancox, 49, said: 'We have had new houses built up the road from us and all we smell is sewage because the sewers can't take it. 'It has got worse over the years with all the houses and people coming through. The roads are not big enough, it has got ridiculous. The traffic is a nightmare. We can't even get to the doctors. 'I've met people who have come up from London and said it's more expensive here than there. 'In our village, the affordable houses were meant to be for people from the village but most have gone to strangers.' The latest proposed development would see three fields next to the town's historic cricket club be turned into hundreds of new homes. Rainier Developments has submitted a scoping report to West Oxfordshire District Council in advance of the potentially 350-home planning application. Also neighbouring the site is another development, of around 90 homes and infrastructure that was approved by the council in 2023. This comes after plans to build more than 100 homes outside Chipping Norton were approved in April from developer Gleeson Land's - despite more than 100 objections. Among the concerns was an increase in traffic, strain to road and sewage systems and the loss of good agricultural land. Scott Sumners, 56, a bricklayer born and raised in Chipping Norton, said celebrities like Jeremy Clarkson were ruining the experience of living in the town. He added: 'We didn't have any troubles 20 years ago. There's still a lot of nice people but there's so many tourists. It can get a bit rowdy out here on a Saturday night. 'I was walking my dog across the road one day and I overheard a couple say they had travelled from Scotland to come and see the town. There's nothing here.' Mr Sumners said he once met Clarkson at the town's petrol station and witnessed an altercation with another resident. He added: 'A man went up to him and said 'hello Jeremy', but he just replied 'That's Mr Clarkson to you'. 'I didn't like that. There's no need to be rude.' The appetite for property in the country town has soared since the arrival of celebrity residents Residents say they like the relative lack of hustle and bustle in the town - but that could change if plans to build nearly 400 new homes are approved Some fans of Clarkson's Netflix series say they were attracted to moving to the area because of the show - but are now regretting their decisions - with complaints that 'there is literally nothing to do' Bianca, a resident living near the proposed Rainier development, said she was a big fan of Jeremy Clarkson and had moved to Chipping Norton three weeks after watching Clarkson's Farm. She added: 'I moved here because of Jeremy but I'm probably going back to London. There's literally nothing here. 'I feel like I probably didn't do enough research. I probably should have stayed here in a hotel for a week first to see what it was like.' Other tourists visiting the town also bemoaned the lack of amenities and things for people to do. Andy Goodyer, a tourist visiting from South Derbyshire, said: 'It's rubbish here - we prefer the Peak District.' Mr Goodyer, 57, who owns a recycling business, added: 'There's millions of tourists coming in, but it's not because of Jeremy. 'I think he's supporting farming in general. I'm sure it's bringing good economics to the area.' David Smart, 76, a tourist in Chipping Norton, said he had been disappointed by the attractions available to visitors. Mr Smart, a retired postman from Northamptonshire, said: 'We were going to go and see the farm and the pub but apparently you can't go in. 'I saw the farm is called Diddly Squat. That about sums it up.' The fourth season of Clarkson's Farm hit Amazon Prime Video last month, with viewers introduced to the 65-year-old eponymous star's new farmhand. Full-time farmer and nurse Harriet Cowan, 24, stepped in to help the former Top Gear presenter while Kaleb Cooper was away, temporarily, on a nationwide talking tour.
The Sun
3 days ago
- Automotive
- The Sun
Moment Clarkson's Farm star Kaleb Cooper comes to rescue after farm machinery crash closes road near Diddly Squat
CLARKSON'S Farm's Kaleb Cooper came to the rescue after an oil spill from a farm machinery crash closed a road near Diddly Squat. A hedge cutter fell off the back of a flatbed trailer and smashed into the A3400 in Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire. 7 7 7 The snapped tank cap slathered the rural road in hydraulic fluid and sent cars with slippery tyres skidding around 9am on Friday. Prime Video star Kaleb, 26, was pictured busily making calls from his Mitsubishi L200 pickup truck to try to help resolve the incident. Swimming pool engineer Paul Lowe, 53, from nearby Abingdon, told The Sun: 'I spotted him instantly and was a little bit starstruck as I'm a big fan of the show. 'The hedge cutter was on the back of a trailer pulled by a 4x4. I think it came round the corner and flew off. 'Hydraulic fluid was pumping out down the road and cars were skidding after driving through it. It was chaos and pretty dangerous. 'Kaleb was parked on the corner speaking with the driver and looked a bit worried. 'He probably had a lot of other jobs to get done and this only added to his hectic morning. It was just like watching the show live.' Famous farmhand Kaleb, beloved by fans for helping Clarkson on Diddly Squat, spotted the oil leak on his way to a nearby bailing job. The dad-of-two helped lift the busted hedge cutter off the road and called the police to alert them to the dangerous oil spill. A source said: 'Kaleb was on the way to a baling job nearby, came round the corner and realised the oil had just leaked all over the road. Clarkson's Farm star Kaleb Cooper suffers painful injury as he updates fans from A&E 'He acted quickly to avoid the spill causing a serious accident, by calling one of his team at his agricultural contracting business to come and help him lift the machine off the road. 'They contacted the police to come and make the road safe for other drivers." Thames Valley Police declined to comment. This comes after Kaleb earlier this month revealed he was in A&E after suffering a painful injury. The 26-year-old, who is Jeremy Clarkson's handy-man on the hit Amazon Prime series, was rushed to hospital following a game of football. Kaleb shared a video of his swollen ankle on his Instagram page, before revealing he had suffered a fracture. The farming contractor then showcased his leg clad in a black protective boot following an X-Ray, and simply commented: "Not good." Yet a video uploaded shortly afterwards offered more hope for Clarkson's Farm fans, showing the Diddly Squat Farm employee hobbling around in a checked shirt. Kaleb told the camera: 'I may be hobbling around as I've fractured my ankle, but I'll still be at the 3 Counties Show on the Sunday, setting up on the Thursday. "I'll be doing talks throughout the day, and Hawkestone Cider will be there. So, do pop along and say hello. I'm looking forward to it.' "Even though I may be hobbling around I'll be there - don't you worry! I'll be there." He then proved it was back to work as normal as he captured some hens in their coop. Kaleb rocketed to fame following the release of the show in 2021. And, the hit Prime Video series took home the entertainment gong at the latest TRIC Awards — right from under the noses of telly's biggest shows. The Sun columnist didn't pick up his award, but sent a video from Diddly Squat and said: 'I hope that the team have a fantastic night cos all of you deserve it.' His show beat Gavin & Stacey's finale — which was watched by 18million viewers — Ant and Dec's I'm A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! and Claudia Winkleman's The Traitors. Fans of the series, which has just dropped its fourth instalment, were left concerned Kaleb had been "replaced." It came after The Sun were the first to reveal the identity of the mystery blonde, new farmhand Harriet Cowan, after she appeared in the trailer. Harriet, 24, was selected by Jezza to take over the work of Kaleb after he was seemingly replaced on the show. Jeremy was left having to deal with all the goings-on at Diddly Squat Farm after Kaleb left him to head out on tour and pursue his media career. But fans were relieved to see Kaleb did return after a few episodes. and wouldn't be disappearing quite yet. Who is Clarkson's Farm star Kaleb Cooper? By Conor O'Brien Hailing from Chipping Norton, farmer Kaleb Cooper shot to fame by appearing in Prime Video series Clarkson's Farm. The hit show follows Jeremy Clarkson in his journey managing Diddly Squat Farm - which he'd owned since 2008. Born and bred in the area, Kaleb has become Jeremy's right-hand man and sort of farming mentor. Viewers have watched the pair light-heartedly 'clash' - with Kaleb usually ridiculing Jeremy's efforts. Three series have aired - with a fourth on the way - significantly raising Kaleb's public profile. Away from the screen, the farmer is also a father to two young children 7 7 7 7
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Ford Ranger stolen from Oxfordshire village in overnight theft
A pickup Ford Ranger car was stolen from an Oxfordshire village in the "early hours" overnight, as police appeal for information. The theft occurred in Church Meadow, Milton Under Wychwood, near Chipping Norton, overnight on Sunday, June 23, in the early hours of Monday at about 2.45am. Thames Valley Police for Cherwell and West are now appealing for anyone who lives in the surrounding area to check security footage and come forward with any information. READ MORE: A34: Almost 10-mile stretch to close for two weekends A spokesperson for the force said: "We are appealing to local residents for any information, CCTV, ring doorbell footage, or dashcam recordings from around this time that may assist with the investigation. "Even the smallest detail could be crucial. "If you live in the surrounding area, please check your security footage between 2:30am and 3:30am for any unusual activity, unfamiliar vehicles, or people. Experience the pulse of Oxford at your fingertips 🗞️ With our flash sale, Oxford Mail keeps you updated for less: only £4 for 4 months or save 40 per cent on an annual subscription. Don't miss out on what's happening locally #DigitalDeal #LocalJournalismhttps:// — Oxford Mail (@TheOxfordMail) June 16, 2025 "If you have any further information, please contact police on 101 and quote reference number 43250310803." The spokesperson added that For Ranger pickups are frequently targeted by thieves "due to their value and versatility". READ MORE: Date revealed for decision on new Oxford United stadium Advice issued to vehicle owners to reduce the risk of theft includes using visible deterrents like a steering lock, CCTV or a video doorbell. An engine immobiliser can prevent the vehicle from starting without the correct fob and a GPS tracker can help recover the car if its taken. Parking in a well-lit or secured area and properly storing keyless entry fobs can help protect vehicles from theft, too.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Developer to propose nearly 400 homes for farmland
A planning application for almost 400 homes on west Oxfordshire farmland is being prepared by a developer. The three fields earmarked for development are near Chipping Norton, just to the east of the market town. It is situated between the London Road (A44), Banbury Road and the A3400, with the Chipping Norton Cricket Club ground set to be a neighbour. READ MORE: Rainier Developments has submitted a scoping report to West Oxfordshire District Council in advance of the potentially 350-home planning application. Also neighbouring the site is another development, of around 90 homes and infrastructure that was approved by the council in 2023. Chipping Norton and District Cricket Club will be a neighbour In its scope report, Rainier Developments plans to commence building in 2026, with the first occupation in 2027 and full completion over a five-year period. Experience the pulse of Oxford at your fingertips 🗞️ With our flash sale, Oxford Mail keeps you updated for less: only £4 for 4 months or save 40 per cent on an annual subscription. Don't miss out on what's happening locally #DigitalDeal #LocalJournalismhttps:// — Oxford Mail (@TheOxfordMail) June 16, 2025 The developer has asked independent advisors Turley to lead the Environmental Impact Assessment. READ MORE: For those wanting to comment, the application can be found on the West Oxfordshire District Council website under reference 25/01464/SCOPE. The three dark brown fields are those earmarked for this development (Image: Google) This comes after plans to build more than 100 homes outside Chipping Norton were approved in April. After over 100 objections, developer Gleeson Land's scheme was approved for up to 104 properties on land east of Burford Road and south of Charlbury Road. Among the objections were that it would increase traffic to the town, add strain to road and sewage systems in the area, and it would lead to the loss of good agricultural land.
The Sun
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Where is Clarkson's Farm and can I visit Diddly Squat farm shop and the Farmer's Dog pub?
JEREMY Clarkson leads the rest of the Diddly Squat gang as the show returns for its fourth season. While Diddly Squat Farm and Farm Shop have been somewhat of an attraction since the show's debut in 2021, the unveiling of Jeremy's new pub has made a lot of people wonder if they can visit. 3 Where is Clarkson's Farm and can I visit Diddly Squat Farm Shop and the Farmer's Dog pub? Diddly Squat Farm Shop and the Farmer's Dog are both open to visitors! After a brief closure to the Farm Shop earlier this year, fans can now visit again and make a trip to the idyllic Cotswolds. The exact location of the Farm Shop is 5-12 Chipping Norton Road, Chadlington, Chipping Norton, OX7 3PE. Once there, fans will be able to experience some of the key locations featured on the Clarkson -fronted show. While visiting the site, many will hope to catch a glimpse of the rising stars of the show, including fan favourite Kaleb Cooper, straight-man and farm management consultant Charlie Ireland, the humorous Gerald Cooper, plus farm shop front-woman and Jezza's partner, Lisa Hogan. The iconic shop has become a public attraction since it opened, with thousands flocking to it each year, much to the dislike of some of the community. For visitors coming from outside the Cotswolds, the trip can take two hours from central London by car, or two and a half hours by public transport. If fans are staying nearby there is the X9 bus from The Bell Hotel in Charlbury that will take them straight past the 1000 acres site and near the Farm Shop. 3 Previously, the farm also had a functioning restaurant on location called The Big View Café, but this was shut down due to excessive traffic. In response, this series of the hit show followed the former Top Gear presenter's trials and tribulations of trying to open a pub. Viewers watched each episode as Jeremy struggled to find a suitable pub for his new venture, despite the sheer number of venues available. Finally, Jeremy found a pub, which was formerly known as the Windmill, and renovated and renamed it to the Farmer's Dog. The latest weapon in Jeremy's farming armoury is located off the Asthall Barrow Roundabout, Burford OX18 4HJ. As it is a working farm, visitors are best to stick to the Farm Shop and Pub - so do not expect to see Jeremy riding around in his infamous Lamborghini tractor. 3 What can you expect at The Farmer's Dog? The pub, which champions British farmers, is sure to be on top of fans' bucket lists. Jeremy's main reason behind opening the pub was that he wanted everything to come from British farms within a certain radius, so don't expect to see any Heinz ketchup on offer. Instead, visitors to the pub can treat themselves to the steak pie, ham hock terrine, rhubarb crumble, and a wide range of other menu items, all knowing that it has come from local farmers. Since the pub opened, it has been extremely busy, and after the show aired, its popularity has soared. And so, for fans hoping to pay a visit in the near future, you may have to wait a while. Bookings for the new Oxfordshire landmark open each month but get snapped up fast, with forums set up on social media helping fans get their chance to visit.
