Field OS 1762 3262 Pt 2048 Harby Lane Plungar

1. 1.The proposed development, by virtue of its location within the open countryside and its form and scale, constitutes unjustified development where it has not been demonstrated to be necessary for agriculture or a rural enterprise. Insufficient evidence has been provided to demonstrate an essential function or locational need for the building in this location. The development is therefore contrary to Policies SS1, SS2, SS3 and EC2 of the Melton Local Plan and paragraphs 8 and 89 of the National Planning Policy Framework (2024).
2. 2.The building, by virtue of its two-storey form, L-shaped layout, internal configuration (including a staircase and subdivided spaces), and the use of brick and tiled materials with domestic detailing, results in a structure that presents the scale, massing and appearance of a dwelling rather than a functional agricultural building. As such, the development introduces a domesticated and incongruous form into the rural landscape, resulting in harm to the character and appearance of the countryside. The proposal is therefore contrary to Policies D1 and EN1 of the Melton Local Plan and paragraph 135 of the National Planning Policy Framework (2024), which requires development to be sympathetic to local character and landscape setting.
3. 3.Insufficient information has been submitted to demonstrate that the scale, design and two-storey configuration of the building are reasonably necessary to meet the operational needs of the agricultural enterprise. In particular, no robust evidence has been provided to justify why a building of this form is required, or why a more typical single-storey agricultural structure would not be sufficient. The proposal therefore fails to demonstrate an essential functional need and is contrary to Policy EC2 of the Melton Local Plan and paragraph 89 of the National Planning Policy Framework (2024), which supports rural development only where it is appropriately justified.
4. 4.In the absence of sufficient information relating to access arrangements, vehicle movements and operational use, the Local Planning Authority cannot be satisfied that safe and suitable access to the site can be achieved or that the development would not result in an unacceptable impact on highway safety. The proposal is therefore contrary to Policy IN2 of the Melton Local Plan and paragraph 115 of the National Planning Policy Framework (2024), which requires developments to provide safe and suitable access for all users. PP L. Parker Planning Development Manager 12.06.26

From the council's decision notice.

Application type

Full Application

Scale / size

Small

Parish

Stathern

Date validated

13 January 2026

Consultation expiry

12 May 2026

Consultation start

28 April 2026

Consultation end

12 May 2026

Last date for comments

12 May 2026

Target decision date

10 March 2026

Permission expires

12 June 2029

Agent

M S Town Planning Ltd

Agent address

9 White Street Quorn Loughborough Leicestershire LE12 8EB United Kingdom

Statutory period

56 days

Site notice start

18 March 2026

Site notice end

8 April 2026

Planning Portal ID

PP-14516200

Documents

12

Constraints

3