Can a Council with hold reps from public domain following a consultation ex - Public forum - Planning Advisory Service (PAS)

Hi We came across the same issue (from the Councils' perspective) with our SHLAA. The problem is that unless it was clearly stated on the call for sites/consultation form that personal details may be made public, we are unable to then disclose those details to third parties, because of data protection law. To support communication between parties in the plan-making process, we decided that where contact details were requested, we would go back to the person whose details we held, let them know that somebody was enquiring about the site and wanted their contact details, and passed on the enquirer's contact details to them. That way, it's up to the individual concerned whether they want to get in contact with the third party or not. I therefore suggest you speak to the Council again and suggest that your details are passed on to the respondents, with a message requesting that they contact you directly if they wish to discuss the site. That way the ball is in their court, and the Council hasn't disclosed any personal information about the respondents. To avoid this issue in the future, when we next do a consultation or any sort of call for information for the SHLAA, we are going to clearly state that personal details may be made publically available. I hope that helps and makes sense! Harriet

Harriet, Many thanks for your kind response. That seems a sensible solution to my problem - I try a change of tact. Regards

No such thing as a stupid question? Well here goes. Why does anybody need to know the personal details of a party submitting comments to a consultation on a land use issue? Surely the bit that matters is what is said, not who said it? I think the suggestion of acting as a go between, where such an inquiry is made, is a very good one, Any other question of this type, would have to suggest a wish to apply some sort of pressure for the withdrawl of a negative submission.