Jeremy Clarkson’s Diddly Squat farm shop roof is replaced with more ‘visually harmonious’ Cotswold tiles after planning row… as it’s revealed star has trademarked his ‘I Did A Thing’ catchphrase
Jeremy Clarkson has replaced the roof of his Diddly Squat farm shop after losing a planning permission appeal.
Workers were seen replacing the green steel roof with Cotswold tiles on Tuesday to appease planners.
The shop featured in the star’s hugely successful Amazon Prime series Clarkson’s Farm. This week it was revealed the former Top Gear host was taking on another business venture, trademarking his catchphrase ‘I Did A Thing’ from the TV series.
Rules, rules, rules: Jeremy Clarkson has replaced the steel roof of his Diddly Squat farm shop with Cotswold tiles, (right), after losing a planning permission appeal
It was revealed in April 2021 that Clarkson had lost an appeal against a planning decision that the materials he used to build the shop weren’t ‘visually harmonious’ with neighbouring Cotswolds properties.
The Grand Tour host originally got permission to erect the store, which opened in 2020, on the understanding that any materials used for the roof would be approved by officials before work began.
But a building contractor apparently unaware of the condition used the green steel sheet roof instead without getting it agreed. This then fell foul of council planners who wanted more traditional – and expensive – slate used.
Business: The shop featured in the star’s hugely successful Amazon Prime series Clarkson’s Farm
Visually harmonious: Workers were seen replacing the green steel roof with Cotswold tiles on Tuesday to appease planners
An attempt to overturn this position and keep the cheaper roof failed.
A council source told MailOnline last April : ‘As the application has been refused he will have to change it.’
Several locals had already voiced their objections to the plans when approval was first sought. ‘The Grand Tour’ host took that earlier setback in his stride and said he didn’t blame those who were complaining – adding ‘otherwise what is the point in planning permission’.
Planning row: It was revealed in April 2021 that Clarkson had lost an appeal against a planning decision that the materials he used to build the shop weren’t ‘visually harmonious’ with neighbouring Cotswolds properties (pictured the old green steel roof in 2020)
Tiles: The Grand Tour host originally got permission to erect the store on the understanding that any materials used for the roof would be approved by officials before work began
Makeover: But a building contractor apparently unaware of the condition used the green steel sheet roof instead without getting it agreed. The tiles have now replaced the steel
Blending in: The new grey slate tile roof is more in keeping with properties in the area
The council then ruled in his favour to allow the store to be built – before the saga over the roof began.
Clarkson has been forced to close his farm shop for two months after the local council demanded the roof was replaced.
His girlfriend Lisa Hogan, 49, is known to work behind the counter at the hugely popular farm shop.
Closure: Clarkson has been forced to close his farm shop for two months after the local council demanded the roof was replaced
The estate has been popular with locals and those from further afield, with many rushing to the farm on New Year’s Eve before its eight-week closure.
Ahead of its closure, the Diddy Squat Farm posted a message to customers reading: ‘Thank you to everyone who visited. Happy New Year. See you in March. Milk machine remains open 24/7.’
The shop describes itself as ‘a small barn full of good, no-nonsense things you’ll like’.
Sales: Clarkson’s girlfriend Lisa Hogan, 49, is known to work behind the counter at the hugely popular farm shop
In a further ploy to make money from his farm, it was reported on Thursday that Clarkson, 61, intends to print his ‘I did a thing’ saying on merchandise to sell them at his Oxfordshire Diddly Squat farm shop and online.
The catchphrase has taken off since he started his Amazon farm show and the star wants to make sure nobody else profits from the saying.
Jeremy applied for the trademark under his farm’s company name Curdle Hill Farm Ltd.
A source told The Sun: ‘Jeremy is aware his catchphrase has taken off since he started his Amazon farm show, which has picked up a cult following.
‘He sees it as a bit of an asset and feels, ‘why allow other people to financially benefit from it when he can?’.
‘The wheels are now in motion so it won’t be long until his own official merch comes out, which his fans are bound to lap up.’
The range of products, include bucket hats, beer mugs, coffee cups, T-shirts and jumpers.
Merch: It was reported on Thursday that Clarkson, 61, intends to print his ‘I did a thing’ saying on merchandise to sell them at his Oxfordshire Diddly Squat farm shop
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