The height and position of the fence also restricts the vision of drivers out of the vehicle when leaving the accesses to the detriment of safety to users of the highway. Saved Policy TR/6 seeks to maintain the safe use of the road system, particularly within residential areas and CS 2 seeks to provide safe public spaces. Therefore, it is the opinion of the local planning that the development is contrary to the provisions of saved Policy TR/6 of the Borough of Charnwood Local Plan and Policy CS 2 of the emerging Charnwood Local Plan Core Strategy 2006 to 2028.

The fence is prominently sited within the designated Shelthorpe Conservation Area directly alongside Shelthorpe Road. It is the opinion of the local planning authority that the fence, due to its height and prominent forward location appears as an oppressive incongruous feature within the streetscene. The fence has a deadening effect at odds with the established character of the area and the rhythm of the streetscene, detrimental to the character and appearance of this part of the conservation area. The development is considered, therefore, to be contrary to saved Policy EV/1 of the Borough of Charnwood Local Plan (adopted 12th January 2004), Policy CS 14 of the emerging Charnwood Local Plan Core Strategy 2006 to 2028 and the policy principles established in the National Planning Policy Framework which all seek to ensure a high standard of design that preserves or enhances the character and appearance of conservation areas and to secure development that positively contributes to the character and distinctiveness within the locality and not intrusive or incongruous within the streetscene.