It has not been demonstrated that the satisfaction of the Local Planning Authority that the development would not cause net losses to biodiversity and that any losses could be adequately mitigated or secured. Full details of any required suitable mitigation has not been provided by the applicant or secured via a unilateral undertaking. The proposal is therefore contrary to Paragraph 174 of the NPPF which states that planning decisions should contribute to and enhance the local environment by minimising impacts on and providing net gains for biodiversity and paragraph 180 which requires that local planning authorities refuse planning permission for developments that do not mitigate the impacts of significant harm to biodiversity. The proposal would also be contrary to Policy CS13 of the Core Strategy (2015) and Policy EV6 of the Draft Charnwood Local Plan (2021-2037) which expects development proposals to consider and take account of the impacts on biodiversity and prevent net loss.

The applicant, by failing to provide a suitable Flood Risk Assessment has failed to demonstrate that the proposal would not result in increased flood risk to users of the site or the surrounding area. The proposal is therefore considered to be contrary to policy CS16 of the Charnwood Local Plan (2011-2028) Core Strategy and Policy CC1 of the Draft Charnwood Local Plan (2021-2037) and guidance contained within the National Planning Policy Framework which seeks to direct development to areas at least risk of flooding and avoid the exacerbation of flood risk elsewhere.