Boris Johnson has been permitted to build a swimming pool at his Oxfordshire countryside mansion after a drawn-out battle with the planning authority.

The former Prime Minister was granted planning permission by South Oxfordshire District Council for the outdoor pool, measuring 11 metres by four metres, in the grounds of Brightwell Manor in Brightwell-cum-Sotwell.

In July, his plans had seemed thwarted when a local government ecologist objected to the pool because of a population of great crested newts living in the grounds.

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In response, Mr Johnson pledged the cash to create new habitats for the amphibians, promising to build a ‘newtopia’, consisting of "newt motels”.

Oxford Mail: Brightwell Manor had been on the market for four years Brightwell Manor had been on the market for four years (Image: Knight Frank)

The move saw the ecologist withdraw his objection, and the plans were subsequently approved yesterday (Tuesday, September 26).

Mr Johnson purchased the £4 million home in May and lives there with his wife, Carrie, and their three children.