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Publication of Photographs in the Planning Process

Photographs are to illustrate the proposal set out in an application. They can also be used for representations of an application, either for or against. We have to make sure the planning process is transparent. This is to allow feedback and engagement.

The legislation sets out the process for determining planning applications. It also outlines the need for us to publish planning documents on our website.

We are required to publish "a copy of the application together with any accompanying plans and drawings".

Read more about the town and country planning legislation

Photographs that we will publish

We will publish any photographs supplied by:

  • applicants or their agents as part of their application submission,
  • statutory and non-statutory consultees during the life of the application,
  • any photographs supplied by third parties during the life of the application

We will publish any amended submission/an extra submission during the time of the application.

We will publish them on our website.

Photographs that will be redacted

We will redact any photograph to cover the following:

  • personal information which is not relevant to the planning application
  • vehicle registration plates
  • images of children
  • people's faces
  • images that would compromise security such as financial institutions, prisons, police stations

The above is not a full list of cases where photographs may be redacted. We will able review each matter on a case by case basis.

Read our revised policy for photographs in the planning process (Word doc) [15KB]

Complaints 

We try to make sure that all photographs are suitable for publication.

If anyone believes we have made an error they can report their concerns to us. We can then review the photographs.

contact support form (opens new window)

If there is no agreement on the complaint, you can escalate it to the Data Protection Officer.