Wildlife worries over Boris Johnson's pool plan

CONCERNS over the potential impact on wildlife could delay - or even scupper completely - Boris Johnson's plan to install a swimming pool in  the garden of his Grade II Listed  home in a leafy village in Oxfordshire.

South Oxfordshire's district council's countryside officer, Edward Church, has said that, on the basis of his desktop research, "there is a reasonable likelihood" that great crested newts are present in an existing pond and moat and could be driven from their home by the proposed development.  

He continues: "I would be happy to visit the site and ground-truth this desktop assessment."

There has also been a vehement  objection from  a neighbour who states: "I am concerned that the new resident (who has a well documented penchant for raucous parties) will use the swimming pool to entertain undesirables. 

"The  resident has kept company with dubious Russia nationals and I don't think the  good people of our village wish to be involved in that kind of carry-on."

He continues: "I also have genuine concerns for the use of water. 

"Thames Water is in a terrible state and this kind of private excessive use is not akin to an inclusive society. 

"The UK is in a terrible state, and it is my belief that this area of land  would be better served by the growing of produce as we enter a period of  domestic food shortage.

 "I also understand that great crested newts, badgers, natterjack toads and  several species of bat are resident on the site and plus invasive plants such giant hogweed and Japanese knotweed.

 "My brief historical research also suggests that Aulus Plautius (politician-general credited with launching the Roman Conquest of Britain) may well be buried in the area.

"To this end, I wish to object to the application."

Unless and until the former prime minister is able to address the most significant of  these concerns, it is unlikely that planning consent will be granted.