Jeremy Clarkson is understood to be in talks with councils over possible plans to buy a pub in the Cotswolds.

The former Top Gear presenter was rumoured to be interested in buying the Coach and Horses Inn in Bourton-on-the-Water last summer.

The grade II-listed building dates back to the 18th Century and is only a stone’s throw away from Hawkstone Brewery on the other side of the A429 Stow Road.

The site is listed by Stonegate Pub Partners for a retail partnership tenancy and has a yearly turnover forecast of £370,214.

In March this year there was great excitement among staff at Shire Hall ahead of a planned visit by the Diddly Squat Farm owner to discuss possible highways issues.

There was also some speculation among Gloucestershire County Council staff as to whether he would turn up with a camera crew to record the meeting.

The talks are believed to be ahead of submitting a formal planning application to Cotswold District Council.

A source told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that Mr Clarkson is interested in expanding the site in Bourton-on-the-Water and is having initial discussions about any highways implications his plans would have.

“There’s stuff swirling around,” another source said.

“He owns Hawkstone Brewery just outside of Bourton and there is some discussion about planning applications with Cotswold District Council.

“He has been in talks about that but it has not got to the stage of a planning application yet, it’s very early days.”

Gloucestershire County Council was approached twice for comment on the visit but did not respond.

The authority has since responded to all other requests for comment from the Local Democracy Reporting Service regarding other stories.

Hawkstone Brewery has not responded to a request for comment.