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James MacKellar runs Orchard View Farm just outside Princes Risborough (Image: JONATHAN BUCKMASTER) Buckinghamshire businessman James Mackellar lives with three generations on his
diversified family-run farm. Orchard View Farm, founded in 2009, is a stalwart enterprise in the area ploughing three-quarters of a million pounds worth of business into the local economy
every year. The 50-year-old father of two has sheep, pigs, a campsite, a cafe/farm shop and a butchery on his 57-acre plot. Even Mr Mackellar’s father, who is in his 80s, lends a hand with
odd jobs and making things on the site. But the small business owner fears Labour’s inheritance tax plans could be a “massive problem”. Mr Mackellar who is known for doing “one of the best
breakfasts in Buckinghamshire”, said: “If this inheritance tax relief is scrapped it is going to be a massive problem for us. “If you want to break up the fabric of British farming very
quickly, that is just the way to do it.” Most farmers tended to be of the older generation, Mr Mackellar pointed out. He said: “Relatively, I am a youngster!” When it came to who to back in
July’s general election, Mr Mackellar was clear it was local not national or party political issues that concerned him most. He said: “We have got plenty going on locally – I am about local
issues right here. “We support local businesses here. We put £750,000 into the local economy every year. “About ten years ago this whole place was just an empty field. “But that is the
power of small, diversified businesses. And it is something that areas of local government cannot get a handle on.” Mr Mackellar, whose diversified campsite built during lockdown boasts
luxury glamping pod and bell tent options, highlighted how he had been forced to “fight” local government planning authorities and compared his plight to that of Jeremy Clarkson. On the
Amazon Prime favourite Clarkson’s Farm, the Who Wants to Be a Millionaire host is often forced to battle for planning permission for his car park, farm and shop restaurant. Mr Mackellar
said: “What you see on Jeremy Clarkson’s Farm is absolutely right. “Every time we have to fight a bare-knuckle fight even just to extend the campsite, which was a no-brainer, we are 14
months down the line and we are still facing objections. It is just insane.” Conservative candidate Greg Smith argued Jeremy Clarkson had done more for farming in three years than the BBC’s
Countryfile had in three decades. He said: “Clarkson’s farm has been fantastic to watch - I would encourage anyone who wants to understand the challenges of British farming to give Jeremy a
watch!”