The planning authority considers that, by virtue of its siting, size and design, the proposed extension would be incompatible and out of character with the modest scale and cottage design of the existing dwelling and other neighbouring buildings. It would therefore be to the detriment of the character and appearance of these buildings and, for this reason, the proposal would be contrary to Policies EV/1(ii) and H/17(i) of the adopted Borough of Charnwood Local Plan, which requires that new development is of a scale and character that is compatible with the locality and neighbouring buildings and with the original dwelling.

It is the opinion of the local planning authority that, notwithstanding the screening shown in the application, the proposed 1st floor terrace to the rear of the dwelling, by reason of its height and close proximity to the gardens of 24 and 22 Church Street, would result in overlooking and severe loss of privacy, to the detriment of the residential amenity of the occupiers. In addition, by reason of its height, length and proximity to the boundary with the courtyard area of 26a, 26 and 28 Church Street, the two-storey extension would have a seriously detrimental impact upon the amenities of those properties, by reason of substantial loss of light, and the over-dominant impact it would have on the rear gardens and the rear outlook from these dwellings. The proposed development would, therefore, be contrary to Policy H/17 (iii) of the Borough of Charnwood Local Plan and to the Council's adopted Supplementary Planning Guidance on House Extensions which seek to ensure that extensions to dwellings do not prove detrimental to the amenities of occupiers of nearby properties.