The proposal fails to demonstrate that it would be in a location where services are readily and safely accessible by walking, cycling and public transport and would therefore be contrary to the National Planning Policy Framework and Leicestershire County Council policies contained in the Local Transport Plan 3 and Policy IN6 of the '6Cs Design Guide' which seek to deliver new development in areas where travel distances can be minimised and genuine, safe and high quality choices are available (or can be provided) for people to walk, cycle and use public transport facilities and services nearby.

It is established planning policy, at both national and local level, that new housing should be permitted outside established settlements in exceptional circumstances only. These circumstances include where there is an essential need for a rural worker to live permanently at or near their place in the countryside. The application site is located in the countryside and, notwithstanding the information submitted with the application, the Council is not satisfied that such a need has been demonstrated. In the absence of exceptional circumstances which justify over-riding the normal planning policies, the proposed development would conflict with the relevant provisions of the National Planning Policy Framework, Policies CS1, CS2, CS11 and CS25 of the Charnwood Local Plan 2011-2028 Core Strategy and saved Policies ST/2, CT/1 and EV/1 of the adopted Borough of Charnwood Local Plan which promote sustainable development and seek to protect the rural character and appearance of the countryside.