Clarkson to face legal bill over Langness row

Deemster David Doyle ruled against the Top Gear host in favour of the Department of Infrastructure and granted it permission to amend the definitive map of the area to include a number of paths deemed as public rights of way – including one which passes close to the star’s kitchen window. 

In the High Court Deemster Doyle said Mr and Mrs Clarkson had been unsuccessful in their case and as such the costs should follow the event, meaning the couple will be asked to pay the department’s costs. 

The Clarkson’s lawyer said it was his client’s statutory right to object and should not result in a cost penalty and reiterated that the couple were being reasonable because the rights of way were not marked on the map when they bought the property.

He asked the deemster to consider reducing the costs by one third but this was rejected by Mr Doyle who said he saw no reason to offer them any reduction. No other costs will be sought from any of the other defendants.