It is considered that the proposed conversion and the proposed garage, by reason of their siting, massing, scale, design and materials, and the extent of the curtilege, would appear as a prominent, incongruous and unwarranted intrusions of development which would damaging to the rural character and appearance of the countryside and contrary to the relevant provisions of the National Planning Policy Framework, Policies CS2 and CS11 of the adopted Charnwood Local Plan 2011-2028 Core Strategy and saved Policies CT/1 and EV/1 of the adopted Borough of Charnwood Local Plan.

It is established planning policy, at both national and local level, that new development should be permitted outside established settlements in exceptional circumstances only. These circumstances normally relate to an agricultural or other need where it is essential that a rural worker should live permanently at or near the place of work. The application site is located in the countryside and despite the information submitted with the application, there are no exceptional circumstances which justify over-riding the normal planning policies. The proposed development would therefore conflict with the relevant provisions of the National Planning Policy Framework, Policies CS11 and CS26 of the adopted Charnwood Local Plan 2011-2028 Core Strategy and saved Policies ST/2 and CT/1 of the Borough of Charnwood Local Plan and which promote sustainable development and seek to protect the rural character and appearance of the countryside.