Jeremy Clarkshon's Lightouse Cottages home at Langness. Photo: Phil Catterall CC-BY-SA-2.0
Walkers on the Isle of Man have won a rights of way victory over Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson.
Mr Clarkson and his wife Frances argued that a footpath passing next to a window in their lighthouse home on the Langness peninsula breached their human rights.
But a judge on the island ruled today in favour of campaigners who maintained it was their right to use footpaths in the area.
Deemstrer David Doyle ruled the footpath next to the petrolhead’s kitchen was not incompatible with Article Eight of the European Convention on Human Rights and that the balance should be in favour of the public’s right to use the path.
Prowl – Public Rights of Way Langness – had already gained a victory when the island’s Department of Infrastructure decided to amend the definitive map to include the path as a right of way.
In December last year, the motormouth presenter crossed swords with the outdoor community when he said he objected to RAF and Royal Navy helicopters being used to rescue injured walkers.
He said: “I’m not really surprised to hear that the navy and RAF’s rescue services will soon come to an end.
“Politicians say we can’t afford them. Military bigwigs say neither service was set up to rescue Janet Street-Porter if she trips us and gets a hurty ankle.
“I’m afraid I have an objection, too. I don’t mind paying for schools and hospitals because a civilised country must help those who cannot afford to help themselves.
“But why should I fund the rescue of a rambler?
“He or she chose to go out there in the mountains. He or she knew the risks. And I’m sorry but if they fall over and get gangrene, they can’t furtle around in my wallet for assistance.”
Mr Clarkson, who also has a house in the Cotswolds is a neighbour and friend of Prime Minister David Cameron.
Among past victims of his sharp tongue are caravanners, the residents of Norfolk, Rover car owners, the Welsh, gay people, Gordon Brown and striking public sector workers who, he said, should be taken out and shot in front of their families.
Paul B
28 April 2012Any chance of this Lighthouse falling into the Sea?
Only if Mr Clarkson's wife & Family are not inside.
Of course the offensive gargoyle will not mind if we forget to call out SAR will he!
Carol S
28 April 2012I guess that "live and let live" is probably not his motto!
nick
29 April 2012Makes you laugh really. He's quoted as saying “He or she chose to go out there in the mountains", but then clarkson and his missus did choose to live on a right of way - knowing it was there!
Dave
30 April 2012Could'nt happen to a nicer man. made my Monday morning!
I never had the Camaroonian down as a supporter of human rights legislation. Must be another case of only if it is my human rights.
Big Chris
30 April 2012Interesting article ( except the last line; which as usuall is misleading when taken out of context - did you see the show when he said that line ? ); though in this situation I have no sympathy for JC - he must have known about the footpath before he bought the lighthouse ... and hasn't he heard of an invention that is quite old, called curtains ?!
Marlene Masters
30 April 2012Seasoned Ramblers will know that a permissive footpath is not recorded on the Definitive Map and therefore a Search when purchasing the property would not have revealed the existence of the Vendor's right to allow permissive use - which, unlike a recorded Definitive footpath, cannot be withdrawn at will if users are abusing the favour - such as peering through windows or open doors . .
A little knowledge [of the relevant law] is a dangerous thing. It would help if owners who are tolerant of use were made aware that a notice advising "permissive use only" would solve the problem.
There are very few who do not mind gawpers through windows and doors, and over garden walls; complete invasion of privacy.
I am sure I am not the only one who has sympathy for such a situation . . .
Mark L
04 May 2012If he doesn't like it, he can get on his bike...
or his ferrari, or whatever
Chris
06 May 2012Nimby twat, I can see the isle of Mann from where I live in Cumbria, on a good day that's debatable, if clarkson live there,tax break, it's to close. See you next Tuesday jezza!
Debbie Taylor
06 May 2012The Clarkson's bought a former lighthouse, that is advertised as a tourist attraction and a view point on ordance survey maps. It is well trod year round by dog walkers , and families. It's not a place ramblers eke out. As it is within walking distance of a golf club, beach and a town(Castletown) . I walked my dog round there regularly before clarkson moved in. What I don't understand is why it took so long to remove his infringment on public right of way. Check it out on google earth. If he wanted a lighthouse with privacy he should have bought Douglas lighthouse he could have had his own beach.
malden
11 February 2021who is j,clarkson