Several readers have contacted me pointing out that comments from residents on planning applications on the Brent Council planning portal are now longer visible.
Rather than a conspiracy to deny information to potential opponents or supporters of a application the absence is due to the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) that came into force recently.
Previously commenter's addresses but not their names were published along with their comment. Now the fear is that the comments could contain personal information about the commenter, a relative or the applicant.
Alice Lester, Head of Planning, Transportation and Licensing said it was causing quite a problem and a balance had to be struck between over-reacting or just simply complying and reducing risk. She said she would much prefer to be as transparent as possible and was watching what a few other councils do and will also monitor case law.
Rather than a conspiracy to deny information to potential opponents or supporters of a application the absence is due to the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) that came into force recently.
Previously commenter's addresses but not their names were published along with their comment. Now the fear is that the comments could contain personal information about the commenter, a relative or the applicant.
Alice Lester, Head of Planning, Transportation and Licensing said it was causing quite a problem and a balance had to be struck between over-reacting or just simply complying and reducing risk. She said she would much prefer to be as transparent as possible and was watching what a few other councils do and will also monitor case law.