 Boris Johnson is hoping to build a new swimming pool in his garden – but he may instead end up with a pond full of newts. The former Conservative prime minister and MP recently submitted a planning application for the outdoor pool at his new country manor in Brightwell-cum-Sotwell, Oxfordshire. But an objection has been raised following concerns the local population of great crested newts could be threatened. Edward Church, ecologist and countryside officer for South and Vale district councils, wrote a report warning of the impact on the rare amphibians. He wrote: 'There are known populations of great crested newts … in the east of the village. 'Mapping shows that there is a pond onsite and a moat immediately adjacent to the southern boundary, both well within 250 metres of the position of the proposed pool. 'The proposed development falls within the red zone of highest risk to great crested newts. Boris Johnson lives at Brightwell Manor, which is Grade-II listed, with his wife Carrie and their three children (Picture: Rex / Shutterstock) The Johnson family's mansion in the Cotswolds cost £3.8 million and boasts nine bedrooms, a tennis court and even a moat (Picture: Rex / Shutterstock) 'Based on the information available to me currently, I am of the opinion that there is a reasonable likelihood that great crested newts are present and could be impacted by the proposed development. 'I do not recommend that planning permission is granted currently,' he concluded, adding protected species surveys 'are likely to be required to support this application'. Great crested newts, which are black and spotted with an orange belly, are protected under wildlife law as their numbers are in decline, mostly due to habitat loss. The 11m by 4m pool development would fall within a 'red zone', where the newts are likely to be abundant. Great crested newts are protected under wildlife law in the UK (Picture: Getty Images) This means they w){kind=link}
NEWS… BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT
Boris Johnson is hoping to build a new swimming pool in his garden – but he may instead end up with a pond full of newts.
The former Conservative prime minister and MP recently submitted a planning application for the outdoor pool at his new country manor in Brightwell-cum-Sotwell, Oxfordshire.
But an objection has been raised following concerns the local population of great crested newts could be threatened.
Edward Church, ecologist and countryside officer for South and Vale district councils, wrote a report warning of the impact on the rare amphibians.