It is the opinion of the local planning authority that, by reason of its roof design, the garage extension would detract from the design and appearance of the dwelling and, by reason of its prominent location, would appear as a damaging and incongruous element within the street scene, thereby detracting from the character and appearance of the Seagrave Conservation Area. As such, the development would be contrary to Policies H/17, EV/1 and EV/10 of the adopted Borough of Charnwood Local Plan and the Council's adopted Supplementary Planning Guidance on House Extensions.

The siting of both extensions would result in the loss of substantial sections of the hedgerow on the Mucklegate Lane frontage which were required, by a condition of the planning permission for the property, to be part of a retained Hawthorn hedgerow which would otherwise provide a rural edge to the side of the dwelling and assist in maintaining the character and appearance of the conservation area. By reason of their close proximity to the boundary, the extensions, if built, would prevent the satisfactory reinstatement and development of the original hedgerow type. The proposal would, therefore, harm the character and appearance of this part of the designated conservation area and be further contrary to Policies H/17, EV/1 and EV/10 of the adopted Borough of Charnwood Local Plan. Informative There has evidently been a breach of condition of the outline planning permission, ref: P/02/2969/2, in that the hedgerow has been removed and replaced by a less appropriate Laurel hedgerow. The former Hawthorn hedgerow was specifically required to be protected, retained and maintained at a height no lower than 1.5 metres in accordance with the terms of the outline planning permission.