Cute newts put Boris Johnson’s pool in disrepute

Boris Johnson might must water down plans for a brand new swimming pool after a neighborhood inhabitants of newts made waves in his utility.

The former prime minister – who as soon as blamed “newt counting” for holding up “the productivity and the prosperity of this country” – utilized to put in the 11m-by-4m out of doors function at his Oxfordshire manor home, the place he lives together with his third spouse and their three youngsters, again in June.

But the method could also be delayed after the native countryside officer warned of the danger to nice crested newts – which thrive within the village and are protected beneath the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

Politics stay: Migration information lacking, admits Home Office

In a report submitted to South Oxfordshire District Council, Edward Church stated the placement of the deliberate pool “falls within the red zone of highest risk” to the species.

“Natural England guidance requires that proposals need to demonstrate no risk to [great crested newts], or appropriate levels of mitigation and compensation following assessment,” he added.

“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.”

Mr Church stated protected species surveys had been prone to be wanted for the applying to go forward, and he provided to go to the location to “ground-truth this desktop assessment and view the suitability of impacted habitats to provide the applicant with assurances that this is the correct approach”.

But, within the meantime, the countryside officer couldn’t suggest planning permission was granted.

The Wildlife Trust says the nice crested newt is the most important of the UK’s newt species, measuring as much as 17cm.

The so-called “warty newt” is sort of black with noticed flanks and an orange stomach, with the charity evaluating it to a mini-dinosaur.

Sky News contacted Boris Johnson’s workplace, however his spokesman refused to remark.