The Old School House 60, Anstey Lane Thurcaston LE7 7JA 15TH, March 2021 Charnwood Borough Council. c/o Wendy Lewis Development Management LE11 2TN

Dear Ms. Lewis

Ref: PLANNING APPLICATION P/21/0356/2 – CHANGE OF USE OF LAND

I have received the official copy of the application for change of use to the land at the rear of our property, which on inspection seems very straight forward. I understand Sarah Hallam has made you aware that a large amount of ground work has already been carried out without planning consent and hardcore has been laid bringing the land up to a level with the existing land. My worry with this is that it will alter the amount of water coming off the land and down through our house foundations and garden which is much lower, the house itself (Grade II) only has a clay foundation. There have been copious amounts of plastic drainage pipe laid underneath the hardcore, but there is no evidence as to where the water is draining to or if existing sewers have been used. There is no mention of the large concrete base that has been erected on the land, this is more of a foundation for a large cabin or office and not a shed, as Mr Giles has indicated. There is also concern about a very large (ancient) oak tree in the centre of the plot. I am not aware of any TPO on the tree, but it is in a conservation area, and although age does not necessary guarantee this status (TPO), the local planning authority should at least consider this action now the change of use has been applied for. The oak tree has had at least a metre of its truck buried in hardcore, I have spoken to a tree specialist ( Beddow’s) and they have indicated to me this will eventually kill the tree, as the buried trunk will rot and rain water might not be able to reach the root ball. We are fortunate to live in a conservation area and are surrounded by historical buildings and open fields encouraging a variety of wild life and would hope that the neighbours respect and support our unique local environment.

Yours Sincerely

Keith Batchelor