It is established planning policy, at both national and local level, that new development should be permitted outside established settlements in exceptional circumstances only. These circumstances normally relate to an agricultural need. The application site is located in the countryside and there are no exceptional circumstances which justify over-riding the normal planning policies. The local planning authority considers that the proposed development would conflict with the objectives of Strategy Policy 4 in the Leicestershire Structure Plan, the development plan, and policies ST/2 and CT/1 in the Deposit Draft Borough of Charnwood Local Plan, which promote sustainable development and seek to protect the rural character and appearance of the countryside.

The proposed development is unacceptable as it would result in additional traffic using Sowters Lane, which is considered to be inadequate in design and width and lacks adequate pavements and visibility splays at its junction with Melton Road. It is considered, therefore, that any additional traffic using this access would create dangers to road users and pedestrians, which is not in the interests of highway safety. The proposal would thereby be contrary to Transport Policy 4 of the Leicestershire Structure Plan, the development Plan, and policy TR/8 of the Deposit Draft Borough of Charnwood Local Plan.