It has not been demonstrated to the satisfaction of the local planning authority that the development would not cause net losses to biodiversity or that any identified losses could be adequately mitigated or secured. Full details of any required suitable mitigation has not been provided by the applicant. The proposal is therefore contrary to Paragraph 174 of the NPPF which states that planning decisions should contribute to and enhance the local environment by minimising impacts on and providing net gains for biodiversity and paragraph 180 which requires that local planning authorities refuse planning permission for developments that do not mitigate the impacts of significant harm to biodiversity. The proposal would also be contrary to Policy CS13 of the Core Strategy (2015) and Policy EV6 of the Draft Charnwood Local Plan (2021-2037) which expect development proposals to consider and take account of the impacts on biodiversity.

The application site is situated outside of the defined Limits to Development for Shepshed and is within the countryside where new development is strictly controlled., The application site is prominently located in an elevated position and in isolation to any other dwellings on the western side of Oakley Road and it is considered that the development of the site for more intensive housing would harm the undeveloped character and appearance of the open countryside. The proposal is therefore considered to be contrary to Policies CS1 and CS11 of the Charnwood Local Plan 2011-2028 Core Strategy (CS), Policy ST/2, CT/1 and CT/2 of the Borough of Charnwood Local Plan and Policies DS1 and C1 of the Draft Charnwood Local Plan (2021-2037) and it is considered the identified harms would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits of the scheme when assessed under Paragraph 11d of the National Planning Policy Framework 2021.