Issue - meetings

Mrs Angela Woodhouse, Head of Policy, Communications and Governance, stated that Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) was compliant with General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) when publishing comments relating to planning applications.  Comments required a name and address in order to be given weight during planning processes, however, it was possible to remove this information from the Council website at an estimated cost of £25,000 per year.  It was explained that names and addresses would be shared if the file was inspected or if there was an appeal process.  In exceptional circumstances, however, anonymity could be maintained to protect an individual.

The Committee commented that:

·  The current practice was proportionate, as it was in the interest of the public to understand who had commented on planning applications.

·  Introducing anonymity risked larger organisations exploiting the system to influence planning decisions.

·  The additional cost required to anonymise comments was not justified when considering that names and addresses would be shared if the file was inspected or an appeal process was undertaken.

·  The publication of personal information meant that some members of the public were reluctant to submit comments on planning applications.

·  The practice of residents liaising with Members, as outlined in the Local Enforcement Plan, could be applied to planning applications.  This provided residents with an opportunity to contribute to planning decisions without revealing their identity.

RESOLVED: That the report be noted.