The site occupies a sensitive position in the open countryside. It is the opinion of the local planning authority that the layout and design of the proposed development would not result in a satisfactory form of development. In particular, the scheme would not meet the principle that new housing should create places and spaces with the needs of people in mind, which are attractive, have their own distinctive identity but respect and enhance local character. The provision of three large detached dwellings in this location would lead to an incongruous built form of suburban appearance which would be out of scale and character with the surrounding open countryside and thereby detrimental to visual amenity. In these regards, the proposal would be contrary to adopted policies CS1, CS2 and CS11 of the Charnwood Local Plan 2011-2028 Core Strategy, saved policies EV/1 and CT/2 of the Borough of Charnwood Local Plan (2004), paragraphs 56-57 of the National Planning Policy Framework and the provisions of the adopted Leading in Design Supplementary Planning Document.

Current national and local planning policy establishes a presumption in favour of sustainable development which performs a social, economic and environmental role. The site is situated in the open countryside and outside of any established limits to development. Development in these areas should only be permitted in limited circumstances, typically those which relate to an agricultural need. It is the opinion of the local planning authority that the cumulative detrimental impacts of the development are considered to significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits secured by the additional supply of housing in the Borough. The development is considered to be unsustainable and the cumulative detrimental impacts of the proposal are significant and comprise the following: a. Development which fails to respond to an identified local social and economic need and would result in unsustainable journeys by private car due to the lack of local employment opportunities, community services and facilities in the locality. b. Inappropriate Design and Layout The proposal is therefore contrary to the aims of adopted policies CS2 and CS11 of the Charnwood Local Plan 2011-2028 Core Strategy, saved policies ST/2, EV/1, CT/1 and CT/2 of the Borough of Charnwood Local Plan (2004), paragraphs 6, 7, 14, 17, 34, 55 and 123 of the National Planning Policy Framework and the adopted Leading in Design Supplementary Planning Document.