Outline planning permission for the development, along with the approval of the appearance, layout and scale of the proposed dwelling has been sought. The submitted scheme (other than the site plan) fails to provide any details regarding the appearance or scale of the proposed dwelling. An assessment of the visual impact of the dwelling on the character and appearance of the locality can therefore not be undertaken. In design terms, the development fails to comply with the aims of paragraphs 56 and 57 of the National Planning Policy Framework, saved policies EV/1 and H/16 of the Borough of Charnwood Local Plan 2004, in conflict with Policy CS2 of the emerging Charnwood Local Plan Core Strategy 2006-2028 and the adopted Leading in Design Supplementary Document.

The land occupies a prominent corner position on Gisborough Way and Byland Way and was set out as open space as part of the construction of the residential estate. It is the opinion of the local planning authority that the site functions as an Open Space of Special Character as defined in Policy EV/18 of the Borough of Charnwood Local Plan, as it was designed to be a visually attractive landscaped area of open space for wider public appreciation. The local planning authority considers that the provision of dwellings on the site would significantly harm the character of the area and the natural environment. The development is therefore contrary to the aims of paragraphs 17, 69 and 114 of the National Planning Policy Framework, in conflict with Policies CS2 and CS15 of the emerging Charnwood Local Plan Core Strategy 2006 2028 and saved Policies EV/1, H/16, EV/18 and RT/5 of the Borough of Charnwood Local Plan 2004, with weight being given to such policies according their consistency with the National Planning Policy Framework.