How we use drones to investigate planning breaches
The Planning Compliance and Enforcement Team have the benefit of using a drone (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle- UAV) to help investigate breaches of planning control.
Not only is the drone helpful in being able to gather evidence on sites where access may have been denied, but it is also beneficial on sites where planning breaches may involve larger areas, or more than one property.
How drones are regulated
All drone flights are conducted following the adopted Buckinghamshire Council Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Policy and Operations Manual, which includes strict safety procedures that are always followed.
This procedures include:
- pre-flight checklists
- weather checks
- risk assessments
These procedures have been approved as safe by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Each pilot has passed a theory assessment with an organisation approved by the CAA.
The service ensures that the usage follows the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 in relation to conducting drone surveillance. We ensure that such surveillance is conducted overtly.
Data protection
Evidence is gathered and retained in accordance with the Council’s Data Protection Policy. All footage will be kept confidential whilst investigations are progressing.
Any footage that is not relevant to the purpose of our investigation will be securely destroyed/redacted.
For further information and enquiries contact the council's Planning Enforcement Team on [email protected].