Boris Johnson's proposal to construct a swimming pool at his country manor in Oxfordshire has hit a snag due to the presence of newts.

The former prime minister has expressed his dissatisfaction with newts in the past, attributing them to the slow rate of house building in the UK.

Now, the same amphibian is posing a challenge to his plans for an outdoor pool at his country manor in Brightwell-cum-Sotwell, where he moved with his family in May.

Mr. Johnson's application to build an 11-meter by four-meter pool has faced opposition from the local council's countryside officer. The officer has raised concerns that the pool may pose a threat to the local population of great crested newts (GCN), which are protected by law.

The planning officer has advised Mr. Johnson to conduct a protected species survey to assess the potential impact of the pool on the newts. If the survey indicates the presence of the newts, Mr. Johnson may need to relocate them or create new habitats within the estate.

Great crested newts and their eggs are protected by law, making it illegal to damage or destroy their habitats deliberately.

The potential implications of the newts' presence may lead to a delay of up to a year in the project or the need to invest in new habitats.

While the conservation officer for the South Oxfordshire District Council has no objection to the pool, Mr. Johnson's team has declined to comment on the newts' impact on the project.

As the situation unfolds, Mr. Johnson will have to navigate the challenges posed by these protected amphibians if he wishes to proceed with his pool plans. Photo by Bouke ten Cate, Wikimedia commons.