The application site is within a site of Regional, County and District Level Ecological Importance and it is considered the proposal would have a detrimental effect on the ecological integrity of the ancient woodland adjacent to the site, by disrupting the plural function of a buffer zone, a woodland edge area and a wildlife corridor that the farm track currently provides. The badger sett located near by would be directly effected by the proposal, further exacerbating the adverse effect on the local ecology. As such, the proposal is contrary to Policies EV/19 and EV/22 of the adopted Borough of Charnwood's Local Plan and Environment Policies 3, 3a and 5 of the adopted Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland Structure Plan.

It is the opinion the local planning authority that the closure of the permissive access would have a detrimental effect on local residential amenity in the enjoyment of the access and the Burleigh Wood. An application is currently being processed to add the path, which runs the length of the application site, to the definitive footpaths map. As such, it is considered that this proposal, which would be likely to result in the closure of the path, would not only be detrimental to the recreational enjoyment of users but also jeopardise the success of the footpath application currently being considered. Consequently, the proposal would be contrary to the spirit of Policy TR/15 of the adopted Borough of Charnwood Local Plan.