The proposed development would be situated within an attractive row of properties which, as a group, make a significant contribution to the character of the street scene and both the front and rear of which can be seen from a number of surrounding streets, as well as from the proposed inner relief road which will pass very close to the rear/side of the application site. It is the opinion of the local planning authority that the proposal, by reason of its size, scale, height, design and built form, would appear as an unduly conspicuous and incongruous feature which would be detrimental to the character and appearance of the property, to the setting of the row of buildings in which it is located and the character of the area in general. As such, it would be contrary to Strategy Policy 10 of the Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland Structure Plan, saved Policies EV/1, H/13 and CA/12 of the Borough of Charnwood Local Plan, the Council's adopted Supplementary Planning Documents 'Leading in Design' and the Development Brief for Former General Hospital/Aumberry Gap and the Loughborough Town Centre Masterplan.

The site is located within an area of archaeological interest as identified in the Leicestershire and Rutland Historic Enviromnment Records. In the absence of any archaeological assessment/evaluation of the site accompanying the application, the local planning authority is unable to fully and properly assess the archaeological impact of the proposed development. For this reason, the proposal would be contrary to National Policy: PPG16 Archaeology and Planning.