Pub Landlord In Deep Water With New Pool Feature

A pub landlord in Reading has landed himself in bother with the local council after constructing a swimming pool in the Jolly Anglers’ pub garden during the coronavirus lockdown, without seeking permission beforehand.

According to the Reading Chronicle, Xemal Zeqiri, the landlord and owner of the Jolly Anglers by the River Kennet in east Reading, installed a 25ft swimming pool, 86-inch TV, pizza oven and hot tub while the pub was closed during the lockdown.

However, he neglected to submit a planning application, which according to Cllr Tony Page, Reading Borough Council’s lead member for planning, he will have to do retrospectively, as well as discuss the situation with the council’s licensing team.

Cllr Page said: “Construction of that sort would normally require a planning application. What concerns me is making sure it has been constructed in a safe way. How is it drained? How is it cleaned?”

However, a spokesman for the council had a more civil tone, saying: “Officers from RBC’s planning and licensing teams are currently working with the landlord of the Jolly Anglers to ensure all required permissions are in place.”

Mr Zeqiri assured that the swimming pool is currently only being used as a garden feature, but does have plans for it to be made available to guests of the pub’s bed and breakfast, depending on the coronavirus situation.

He also said that he would be contracting a specialist company to perform all the necessary pool maintenance tasks, and in the meantime, keeping the area sealed off from customers at the pub.

If you need swimming pool maintenance in Cheshire, whether it’s in your garden or beer garden, get in touch today!