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Planning Permission: Disclosure of Information

Asked by Kevin HollinrakeConservativeMinistry of Housing, Communities and Local GovernmentTabled Answered 20 December 2024UIN 19353

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether her Department has issued guidance to local authorities on publicly disclosing the (a) names and (b) addresses of those who submit representations on planning applications.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook

There is no requirement for local authorities to publish representations received on planning applications, but many do so to give transparency to the decision-making process. Where local authorities choose to publish representations they must comply with data protection laws, such as the General Data Protection Regulations, which means they cannot publish personal details without consent.

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