Planning authorities don't make decisions on a whim; they have to justify any planning decision with by assessing an application by its compliance or non-compliance with democratically adopted policies as set out in a public document qavailable to anyone who wants to know the ground rules. If an application is refused, the applicant can lodge an appeal. All very boring of course. Not really within the ken of those who assume that everyone is as bent, vindictive and daft as they themselves.
There is a comment from Charlie (in the episode where Ckarkson has Covid) which says “you can’t” - the way it comes across is that if it was somebody other than Clarkson then it would be possible.
Some of the decisions make no sense, eg surely he can build a track on his own land! They are clearly being obstructive, petty, it's clear they and the village don't like him.
(It's worth noting that Thames Valley Police were concerned about a lack of lighting along access routes at the site, whereas the Cotswold Conservation Board were concerned that light from the buildings would intrude into a 'dark sky' environment. Any proposed development within an AONB is bound to meet with such knotty problems).
I remember this creep expounding about a 'rare delicacy' on WWTBAM once. It was a tiny bird that is kept in a tiny closed box all its short life and killed to be eaten after a short time! Apparently it is delicious and he even stated that it was probably a controversial thing to talk about as not everybody would approve!! He got that right, the vile man. All the things we can eat and he thinks it's ok to portray this torture of a poor captive tiny bird - the man's an utter moron. Well done that Council.