Planning Policy Statement 1 states that good design ensures attractive, usable, durable and adaptable places and is a key element in achieving sustainable places. Appendix F of PPS 25 "Development and Flood Risk" and the Borough Council's Supplementary Planning Document "Leading in Design" encourage the provision of sustainable drainage systems in order to help reduce the environmental impact of development. In the opinion of the Borough Council, the proposed method of surface water storage, primarily by means of underground tanks, is not acceptable for a major housing development on a greenfield site. The proposed method of surface water drainage fails to protect or enhance water quality, is not sympathetic to the environmental and predominantly rural setting of the site and fails to provide opportunities to create habitats for wildlife. In the opinion of the Borough Council, the design of the drainage system is inappropriate in its context and fails to take the opportunity available for improving the character and quality of the area. Accordingly, the development is contrary to guidance contained in PPS1 and PPS25 and contrary to the Borough Council's adopted SPD - Leading in Design.

It is established planning policy, at both national and local level, that new development should be permitted outside established settlements in exceptional circumstances only. The application site is located in the countryside and there are no exceptional circumstances which justify over-riding the normal planning policies. The proposed development would conflict with the provisions of Planning Policy Statement 7: Sustainable Development in Rural Areas and Policy 2 of RSS8 and Strategy Policy 2 and Policy CT/1 of the adopted Borough of Charnwood Local Plan which promote sustainable development and seek to protect the rural character and appearance of the countryside. The Borough Council has a demonstrable housing land supply of more than 5 years, as required by PPS3: Housing. In the opinion of the Borough Council there is, therefore, no justification to depart from the policies contained in the development plan and release the site for housing.