The local planning authority is of the opinion that the provision of the Prunus laurocerasus (laurel) hedge along the northern boundary of the site, adjacent to the A6, has resulted in the unacceptable introduction of an inappropriate, non-native, plant species at this edge-of-countryside location, to the detriment of its landscape character and appearance. In addition, this species of hedge is of poor ecological value in terms of its place within the local biodiversity network, leading to an unacceptable reduction and fragmentation of habitat connectivity. The local planning authority is not satisfied that there are any justifiable reasons for the provision of the hedge that are sufficient to over-ride the stated disbenefits of the scheme and, therefore, it is considered to be contrary to the intentions of policies CS 2, CS 11 and CS 13 of the Charnwood Local Plan 2011 to 2028 Core Strategy and to saved Policy EV/1 of the Borough of Charnwood Local Plan.1991 - 2006.