'I live just minutes away from Jeremy Clarkson's farm - I have one major complaint'

Jeremy Clarkson's hit Prime Video series, Clarkson's Farm, has been listed among the reasons locals are fighting back against plans for 350 new homes. The TV presenter is among the many famous faces who have brought fresh eyes to the Cotswolds and renewed interest in the sleepy village.

The stunning location is best known for its rolling hills, picturesque views, winding country lanes and market towns, which homeowners are fighting to keep. With the opening of Jeremy's Diddly Squat Farm Shop and his Farmer's Dog pub, the Cotswolds have become a magnet for tourists. This also comes after several famous faces, including David Beckham, Kate Moss, Stephen Fry, and former US talk show host Ellen DeGeneres, purchased homes in the area.

As a result, there has been an increased demand for housing, which has put a strain on local infrastructure and public services.

A new proposed development involving 350 homes has sparked a backlash from locals, saying patience is running thin.

Scott Sumners, 56, a bricklayer born and raised in Chipping Norton, claimed celebrities like Jeremy Clarkson were ruining the experience of living in the town.

He said that he once met the Top Gear star at the town's petrol station and witnessed his unsavoury interaction with another resident.

Scott told the Daily Mail: "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."

Others admitted they moved to the area because of Jeremy and were attracted to the location because of his show, but have since regretted their decision.

Bianca, a resident living near the proposed Rainier development, said she was a big fan of Jeremy and moved to Chipping Norton three weeks after watching Clarkson's Farm.

She shared: "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."

Much to locals' dismay, the latest proposed development would turn three fields next to the town's historic cricket club 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.