It is established planning policy, at both national and local level, that new development should be permitted outside established settlements in exceptional circumstances only. These circumstances normally relate to an agricultural need. The application site is located in the countryside and in view of the decision to refuse planning permission for the residential development associated with this balancing pond, 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 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.