The proposal is situated in an unsustainable location in transport terms which would not result in the likelihood of many employees, visitors or customers travelling to the site by means other than the motor vehicle. In addition, the proposal does not provide any covered cycle parking facilities. The proposal is thereby contrary to the aims of the National Planning Policy Framework and Policies CS1 and CS17 of the Charnwood Local Plan (2011-2028) Core Strategy which seek to locate new development within higher order settlements in order to reduce car usage.

The proposed storage containers due to their size, scale, siting and design, on this prominent corner location in the countryside, would appear unduly conspicuous and incongruous urban features in relation to the surrounding countryside setting of the site and would therefore be harmful to visual amenity and the character and appearance of the countryside. The proposal would therefore be contrary to the National Planning Policy Framework, Policies CS2 and CS11 the Charnwood Local Plan 2011-2028 Core Strategy, saved Policies CT/1, CT/2 and EV/1 of the Local Plan.

No evidence has been submitted to demonstrate why, in the context of the Borough of Charnwood Local Plan Policy CT/1, the development proposal for this countryside site could not reasonably be located within, or adjacent, an existing settlement and, as such, should take priority over vacant employment sites in and around urban areas. The proposal would be likely to prejudice the aims of the local planning authority to secure the development of those sites, in accordance with the locational policies of the development plan. If allowed, it would set an undesirable precedent for other similar sites in locations outside the Limits to Development to be re-developed for employment purposes. It is not considered, therefore, that the proposal complies with any of the criteria identified in Policy CT/1 of the Borough of Charnwood Local Plan 2004.