Clarkson's Farm planning concerns discussed by MPs

The Environment Secretary has said he wants to make it easier for farmers to diversify after concerns were raised by TV presenter Jeremy Clarkson.

Steve Barclay told MPs he was in "very advanced discussions" with Communities Secretary Michael Gove on extending permitted development rights.

These allow certain changes to take place without planning applications.

Clarkson has been at odds with West Oxfordshire District Council regarding plans for his farm.

His TV show Clarkson's Farm, streaming on Prime Video, has documented the workings of his 1,000-acre (404-hectare) holding in the Cotswolds.

It included his dealings with council officials over his expansion of the business to include a restaurant.

An order for the closure of the restaurant was made after two planning applications were rejected by the authority.

The former Top Gear presenter's Diddly Squat farm shop has also proved popular with customers.

Speaking in the Commons, Mr Barclay said: "My focus and the farming minster's focus is on food production and food security, and ensuring that is viable for our farmers.

"But diversification is also an important part, so I'm in very advanced discussions with [Mr Gove] on extending permitted development rights... that a certain very famous farmer has raised in terms of his frustrations in Oxfordshire.

"So I want to streamline permitted developments and make it easier for farmers to diversify, but, first and foremost, farmers want to produce food and that is my key focus."

Labour MP Barry Sheerman questioned if Mr Barclay had spoken to the National Farmers' Union (NFU) or the "celebrity farmer", later revealed as Clarkson.

He said: "Farmers don't know where they're going or how they're going to face the future because there is no plan under this incompetent administration."

Mr Barclay said he regularly engaged with colleagues in the NFU.

He also said sustainable farming incentive payments needed to be accelerated so farmers were paid quickly.

He added: "I have been very clear with the Rural Payments Agency we need a more trusting relationship in terms of payments."

He said one of the constraints was National Audit Office rules "but we're working with them as to how we can shift the relationship to one built more on trust and where payments go out in a more expedited fashion".

His comments came in response to Liberal Democrat MP Helen Morgan who said farmers were concerned about having "to pay money up front before they can receive compensation or claim that money from the government".