It is the opinion of the local planning authority that the proposed extension would both result in a disproportionate increase in the size of the original dwelling and be damaging to the character and appearance of the rural locality, by reason of its mass, height and design. The enlarged dwelling would be visible, during the winter months at least, in views from the east along Walton Lane. For such reasons, the proposal would be contrary to the intentions of Strategy Policy 4 of the Leicestershire Structure Plan and Policy CT/1 of the Deposit Draft Borough of Charnwood Local Plan, which seek to protect the countryside from inappropriate or harmful development, and to Policy CT/16 which seeks to restrict extensions to existing rural dwellings, which would have a damaging impact on the landscape.