The site, to which this application relates, is located within the Countryside as defined by the adopted Borough of Charnwood Local Plan. It is the opinion of the local planning authority that the lighting columns would introduce an urbanising influence, to the detriment of this predominantly open and undeveloped area of the countryside and that the proposed floodlighting would detract from the relatively unpolluted character and quality of the countryside and rural night sky in this area. As such, the proposal conflicts with the requirements of Policies CT/1, CT/2 and EV/40 of the adopted Borough of Charnwood Local Plan.

It has not been demonstrated to the satisfaction of the local planning authority that the external lighting scheme is of an appropriate level and design to minimise visual impact of the lighting structures and avoid excessive glare or spillage that otherwise would be detrimental to the residential amenity of the occupiers of the surrounding properties. Therefore, the proposal is contrary to Policy EV/40 of the Borough of Local Plan and the Council's adopted Supplementary Planning Guidance on Planning and Lighting Proposals.