Policy H/18 of the Borough of Charnwood Local Plan states that planning permission will not be granted for non-residential development in "Primarily Residential Areas" unless, inter alia, the use can be accommodated without damaging the amenity of nearby residents and does not lead to a material increase in traffic generation. The additional activity generated by the proposed use would be likely to result in noise and disturbance that would be detrimental to the living conditions of the occupiers of 55 and 59 Harrowgate Drive. The private rear gardens and the habitable rooms in the rear elevations of these dwellings are likely to be most affected. The damaging impact of the development upon the amenity of nearby residents and the unacceptable increase in traffic generated by the development would be contrary to the provisions of Policy H/18 of the Borough of Charnwood Local Plan.

Notwithstanding the stated intention that site vehicles would only access the development site from the A6, it is the opinion of the Borough Council that this proposal would inevitably result in some visitors accessing the proposed site office from Harrowgate Drive. The associated on-street parking would be undesirable in highway safety terms as it would be opposite a junction, to the detriment of road safety. Policy TR/6 seeks to maintain the safe use of the road system, particularly within residential areas. Therefore, it is the opinion of the local planning authority that the proposal would be contrary to the provisions of the adopted Borough of Charnwood Local Plan.