Guidance

Customer Privacy Notice

Updated 11 November 2025

Applies to England and Wales

Who we are and what we do

The Planning Inspectorate is an Executive Agency of The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG). This privacy notice informs you about what personal data we collect; how we use it, store it, share it and dispose of it.

The Inspectorate is committed to protecting the privacy and security of the personal information of our customers. 

One of the fundamental values of the Inspectorate is our commitment to openness and transparency in respect of our statutory role processing and deciding planning and related casework. 

This Privacy Notice may be updated and/or re-issued at any time, and we will provide you with notice of any such updates via the GOV.UK and Planning Inspectorate’s websites. 

The Data Controller

UK Data Protection law requires that your personal data is owned and managed by a “data controller”. Where the Inspectorate uses your personal data the controller for data protection purposes is the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG). The Inspectorate, as an agency of MHCLG, is responsible for ensuring the personal data that we process is in compliance with UK Data Protection law.

We are registered as a data controller with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) and our registration details are: 

Fry Building, 
2 Marsham Street, 
London 
SW1P 4DF  

ICO Registration number: Z7123035

MHCLG’s Data Protection Officer (DPO) is also the DPO for the Planning Inspectorate. You may contact the DPO at: 

By e-mail to dataprotection@communities.gov.uk

In writing, addressed to the MHCLG Data Protection Officer at the above address.

The Planning Inspectorate has appointed a Senior Data Protection Manager to support the Data Protection Officer and they can be contacted as below: 

By email to dataprotection@planninginspectorate.gov.uk 

In writing addressed to the 

Senior Data Protection Manager (SDPM) at: 
Temple Quay House, 
2 The Square, 
Temple Quay, 
Bristol, 
BS1 6PN 

We explain here why we process your personal data; what data we process; and how we do so.

Why do we process your personal information?

We need to process your personal information to facilitate the planning process under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004, the Planning Act 2008 and other relevant legislation for all Planning Inspectorate Casework. 

The Planning Inspectorate deals with all aspects of planning appeals; national infrastructure planning applications; examinations of local plans; and other planning-related and specialist casework. This is undertaken by the Planning Inspectorate or on behalf of relevant Secretaries of State in England.

We may process your personal data for various purposes which are listed in the table below.

What personal information do we process? 

The personal information that we process may include: 

• your name 

• your address 

• your telephone  number

• email and Internet Protocol addresses

• your display name and self-Image – if video is shared 

• electronic and hard copy correspondence 

• application documents 

Special Category Data 

The UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) defines more sensitive personal data about you as special category data. UK GDPR defines this as data revealing:

• Racial or ethnic origin
• Political opinions
• Religious or philosophical beliefs
• Trade union membership
• Genetic and biometric data
• Data concerning health
• Data relating to sex life or sexual orientation

The Planning Inspectorate will not routinely request special category data as part of our processing activities.

In certain cases we may need to collect some special category data to the extent that this is relevant to the case. This could for example include or relate to information about:

• status (family background, relationships, and dependents) revealing, for example, ethnic origin
• living arrangements which may reveal particular health or support needs
• health and/or educational needs

Where you do provide personal data, this might directly or indirectly include personal information about other individuals, such as a neighbour, and can include special category data such as medical information relating to other parties. The Planning Inspectorate will only process such data where it is necessary and has the appropriate legal basis to do so.  

Children’s Information 

The Planning Inspectorate does not provide services directly to children or proactively collect their personal information. However, we are sometimes provided with information about children as part of the appeals, applications, orders & examination processes. This can include special category data provided in representations from all aspects of casework. 

Children’s data received as part of these processes will be anonymised where possible and will not knowingly be published or shared without the permission of the parent or guardian.

How do we collect personal information? 

We may receive your personal information directly or indirectly:

Directly

Indirectly

- you will have directly provided information to us, if you make or take part, in a planning appeal, application or examination as part of our planning processes  - you may also provide us with special category data where you are providing information regarding your personal circumstance (which may also include personal and special category of other data subjects) that you want to be considered within the planning processes  - via a contact form  - you wish to attend a Planning Inspectorate Webinar - you have made a complaint or enquiry to the organisation - you have made an information request to the organisation - you wish to attend, or have attended, a planning event, inquiry or hearing either in person or at a virtual or blended virtual event. Specific information is collected for Virtual Events (VE) and Blended Events (BE) (See point 15 below for full details) - You are a sole-trader entering into a contractual arrangement with the Inspectorate

- Local Authorities (LAs) are normally required to provide us with relevant information relating to the case e.g. on a planning appeal they will send us the representations that they received at the planning application stage  - for Local Plans the Local Authorities (LA) submit information to us in respect of their proposed local plan or CIL schedule including the representations that they received on it  - during the examination, the Inspector will also hear oral representations from the parties and consider any further written representations that are accepted during that examination  - the LA will provide a programme officer to support the Inspector, and representations are exchanged between the LA and other participants in the examination and the Inspector through the programme officer  - other Government departments & agencies provide relevant information  via social media or our websites, e.g. connection data sent to our webserver by your browser when you connect to our website

What is our legal basis for processing your data?

The reasons that we can use or collect your personal information are set out in law and this will mostly be because it is necessary for us to carry out our work as a public body.

The lawful bases for processing are set out in Article 6 of the UK GDPR.

Purpose for processing	Lawful basis for processing
Appeals, Applications, Examinations and Orders	Article 6(1)(c) - The processing is necessary for compliance with a legal obligation to which the Inspectorate is subject Article 6(1)(e) - The processing is necessary for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest or in the exercise of official authority vested in the planning inspectorate Article 9(2)(g) - The processing of special category data is necessary for reasons of substantial public interest
Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIP)	Article 6(1)(c) - The processing is necessary for compliance with a legal obligation to which the Inspectorate is subject Article 6(1)(e) - The processing is necessary for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest or in the exercise of official authority vested in the planning inspectorate Article 9(2)(g) - The processing of special category data is necessary for reasons of substantial public interest
Non-Urgent Crown Development Applications	Article 6(1)(c) - The processing is necessary for compliance with a legal obligation to which the Inspectorate is subject Article 6(1)(e) - The processing is necessary for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest or in the exercise of official authority vested in the planning inspectorate Article 9(2)(g) - The processing of special category data is necessary for reasons of substantial public interest
Communication and Marketing Activities	Article 6(1)(a) - where the data subject has given their consent for the processing of their data for a specified purpose
Customer feedback surveys and user research	Article 6(1)(a) The data subject has given their consent for the processing for a specified purpose Article 6(1)(f) Processing is necessary for the purposes of a legitimate interest
Social Media Monitoring	Article 6(1)(e) The processing is necessary for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest or in the exercise of official authority vested in the planning inspectorate Article 9(2)(e) Processing relates to personal data which are manifestly made public by the data subject Article 9(2)(g) - The processing of special category data is necessary for reasons of substantial public interest
Testing new technological solutions such as Artificial Intelligence	Article 6(1)(e) The processing is necessary for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest of in the exercise of official authority vested in the planning inspectorate Article 6(1)(f) Processing is necessary for the purposes of pursuing a legitimate interest
Monitoring equality and diversity	Article 9(2)(g) The processing is necessary for reasons of substantial public interest which shall be proportionate and provide suitable and specific measures to safeguard the fundamental rights and freedoms of data subjects

What are your rights in relation to this processing?

As a data subject you have rights about how we use your personal information.

You can always:

• ask to see what information we have about you
• ask us to correct any information that is wrong

You may also be able to:

• ask us to delete your information
• ask us to limit how we use your information
• object to how we use your information
• ask us to transfer your information to another organisation

The rights that apply will depend on our lawful basis for processing.

There is detail about how you exercise each of these rights on our website.

Complaints

Regardless of our purpose for processing, you have the right to complain if you feel that we have not processed your personal data in accordance with relevant legislation.

We have a designated complaints process for personal data complaints.

We will respond to your complaint without undue delay and within 30 days.

If you are dissatisfied with our response, you can contact our Data Protection Officer and the Information Commissioner’s Office.

Who do we share your information with and what personal information do we publish?

The information that we share and publish will depend upon the reason and lawful basis for processing. These are outlined here:

1. Appeals Casework Portal (ACP) and Appeal a Planning Decision Service

2. National Infrastructure Planning website for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIP)

3. Find a Crown Development Application website for non-urgent Crown development applications

4. Virtual Events (VE) and Blended Events (BE)

5. Communications and Marketing Activities

6. Customer Feedback Surveys and User Research

7. Social Media Monitoring

8. Testing new technology such as Artificial Intelligence (AI)

1. Appeals Casework Portal (ACP) and Appeal a Planning Decision service 

We use the information provided via the ACP to process Planning and Enforcement Appeals cases. Full planning and householder planning appeal information is collected by the Appeal a Planning decision service. 

We do not accept anonymous or confidential representations, however, you may comment on a case and ask for your identity to be withheld. If you request this then your representation will be copied to the parties and provided to the Inspector without your name and contact details, and your representation may be given less weight by the Inspector as a result.

The ACP terms and conditions provide specific information about how we use your personal information if you register for an ACP account. 

Who we may share your information with:

• subject to any redactions that may be necessary we will share the appeal form and supporting documents submitted by the appellant or their agent, with the local planning authority, interested parties and other main parties. We will also share the local planning authority’s questionnaire and supporting documents with the appellant and other main parties.  This sharing takes place to ensure fairness and transparency with all those involved so that they can engage fully in the process:

• in accordance with the statutory rules, casework representations are normally copied to the appellant/applicant, the Local Authority (LA) and other statutory parties to the case 

• the LA is also required to make the casework representations available to anyone who wishes to see them 

• as they provide context to your representation and allow for the effective running of the case e.g. allowing parties with similar viewpoints to identify each other and agree joint presentation of views at any hearing or inquiry), the representations that we receive are normally exchanged between the parties without redaction of content or contact information, subject to the condition that the Planning Inspectorate determines that it is both necessary and proportionate to do so 

• the information voluntarily provided can directly or indirectly include personal information about other individuals and can include special category data e.g. medical information of other parties (please see Special Category Data paragraph for further information). The Planning Inspectorate will only process such data where it is warranted and has the appropriate legal basis to do so 

• in the event that you do not want to be identifiable from your representation you should avoid including information which may identify you 

The appointed Inspector will consider the information provided in the representations and reach their decision. Their decision notice will provide the outcome for the case and their reasoning. 

The information we publish: 

We publish summary details of cases which we process on the Appeals Casework Portal. 

• the name of the appellant/applicant and the site address 

• we also publish the Final decision 

• we have a redaction policy and remove personal telephone numbers, email addresses and signatures, and also special category information (such as information about an individual’s health) 

• if you have concerns about the publication of your information, then you should discuss this with the Case Officer in the first instance before submitting your representation 

• however, if you have further concerns relating to the processing or handling of your personal data, please contact the Planning Inspectorate Senior Data Protection Manager (SDPM)  dataprotection@planninginspectorate.gov.uk

• although we may not publish every document or every case, we have a statutory obligation to copy representations to the relevant parties. The LA is obliged to make them available to anyone who may wish to see them so you may also want to check with them what information they publish 

ACP users must create an account with us in order to submit appeals or any representations. 

• registering with us will enable you to access our full range of appeals services, including a personal homepage 

• also, the best way to comment on an existing case is to register with us first as that makes it easier to track cases and submit comments 

Guest Log in Facility on the ACP 

• we have a guest log in facility if you do wish to submit comments without creating an account; simply search for your case and click on the ‘Make Representation’ button 

2. National Infrastructure Planning Website for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIP) 

The information provided for NSIPs is used to assist the examination of applications under the Planning Act 2008 process.

We do not accept anonymous or confidential representations

The Planning Inspectorate has statutory functions and duties under the Planning Act 2008 and its procedural rules and regulations which require us to: 

• make certain documents and information widely available to other participants, which may include personal information, including making these publicly available  by publishing documents and information on the National Infrastructure Planning website 

• in accordance with Rule 21 of The Infrastructure Planning (Examination Procedure) Rules 2010, the Planning Inspectorate must make all Relevant Representations, Written Representations and other documents submitted in relation to the examination of an application available to the public 

• under s39 of the Planning Act 2008 we are also required to make available to the public the documents comprising each application for development consent. In both cases this is achieved by publishing these documents on the National Infrastructure Planning website 

• under section 51 of the Planning Act 2008 we are also required to publish any advice that we issue about applying for a Development Consent Order; and making a representation about an application for a Development Consent Order 

• the Examining Authority will consider the information provided in all representations in the course of its examination and in preparing its Recommendation Report 

• this report is sent to the Secretary of State, who takes the final decision on applications under the Planning Act 2008 

The information that we publish online 

The Planning Act 2008 and the statutory procedural rules and regulations require us to publish: 

• application documents 

• relevant Representations, Written Representations, and other documents on the National Infrastructure Planning website 

• these published records will include the name of the person that has submitted the document 

• the Inspector or Inspectors appointed to carry out the examination of an application 

• before publishing most documents, we redact (or ‘blank out’) certain personal details e.g. telephone numbers; addresses; email addresses; signatures and sensitive personal information (special category data) 

• we also redact any content that we consider to be potentially libellous 

• we don’t redact any personal information in documents produced by applicants where this would hinder the effective examination of an application e.g. the Planning Inspectorate’s carrying out of its public task. For example, certain documents that are published (e.g. the Book of Reference) include the names and addresses of Interested Parties because the land or rights of those Interested Parties would be affected by the Proposed Development 

• we also publish the Examining Authority’s Recommendation Report and the Secretary of State’s decision usually without redaction but subject to our data protection obligations, both of which may contain personal information Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) participants do not require an account to access information on the website.

• if you wish to register an interest in any NSIP, you will be required to complete a registration form

• if you wish to be notified of any ongoing progress of an application, you can subscribe to an email notification service

• both the registration form and email notification requests are located on the NSIP page 

National Infrastructure Submissions Portal 

Interested Parties can now make written submissions to examinations through the National Infrastructure Planning website. If Interested Parties do not wish to, or cannot, use the portal to make written submissions they can also do so in the traditional way by emailing submissions to the relevant project email inbox. Any amendments in the processing of personal data will be reflected in an updated version of our Customer Privacy Notice. 

3. Find a Crown Development Application Website for non-urgent Crown Development Applications 

The information provided for Crown Development Applications is used to assist the examination of applications made under the non-urgent Crown Development route (Sections 293D to 293J of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990). It provides information about the types of personal information the Planning Inspectorate may collect when carrying out our duties and responsibilities under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

We do not accept anonymous or confidential representations

It is important to note that The Planning Inspectorate has statutory functions and duties under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, its procedural rules and regulations which require us to: 

• make certain documents and information widely available to other participants, which may include personal information, including making these publicly available 

• we do this by publishing documents and information on the Find a Crown Development Application Website 

• if you have specific queries or concerns in respect of this processing of your personal data, then please contact the relevant case officer in the first instance to discuss the guidance and your concerns 

• in accordance with Article 26 of The Town and Country Planning (Crown Development Applications) (Procedure and Written Representations) Order 2025, the Planning Inspectorate must make all Written Representations and other documents submitted in relation to the examination of an application available to the public 

• under Article 16(2a) we are also required to make available to the public the documents comprising each application for development consent. In both cases this is achieved by publishing these documents on the Find a Crown Development Application Website 

• the examining Inspector(s) will consider the information provided in all representations in the course of their examination and in preparing their Recommendation Report and/or Decision 

• for recovered Applications, this report is sent to the Secretary of State, who takes the final decision on applications under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 

The information that we publish online 

The Town and Country Planning (Crown Development Applications) (Procedure and Written Representations) Order 2025 requires us to publish: 

• application documents 

• Written Representations, and other documents on the the Find a Crown Development Application Website 

• these published records will include the name of the person that has submitted the document 

• before publishing most documents, we redact (or ‘blank out’) certain personal details e.g. telephone numbers; addresses; email addresses; signatures and sensitive personal information (special category data) 

• we also redact any content that we consider to be potentially libellous 

• we don’t redact any personal information in documents produced by applicants where this would hinder the effective examination of an application e.g. the Planning Inspectorate’s carrying out of its public task. For example, certain documents that are published (e.g. the Book of Reference) include the names and addresses of Interested Parties because the land or rights of those Interested Parties would be affected by the Proposed Development 

• we also publish the Inspector’s Recommendation Report and Decision usually without redaction but subject to our data protection obligations, both of which may contain personal information 

• where the Inspector(s) has not made the Decision, we also publish the decision made by the Secretary of State usually without redaction but subject to our data protection obligations, both of which may contain personal information 

4. Virtual Events (VE) & Blended Events (BE) 

The purpose of Virtual & Blended Events does not differ from normal procedures and remains the same for the Inspector to look at the evidence presented, and for interested parties to share their views. 

A virtual event (VE) is one where there are no physical attendees. All attendees participate virtually, either through video conferencing or telephone. 

A Blended Event (BE) is one where there may be a combination of physical attendees (in one or more locations) as well as a virtual element (where participants can join either through video conferencing or telephone). The two elements need not take place simultaneously but could potentially be staggered in time provided that the proceedings are broadcast and made accessible to those who cannot participate in one of the events. 

What personal information will be collected at a Virtual & Blended Events? 

• email address requested in event invite 

• phone numbers - if the participant joins by phone, your phone number would be visible to all participants (this can be masked by the individual by turning off Caller ID, generally known as dialling 141) in which case a random number is displayed 

• IP address - connections to Microsoft Teams will capture the IP address of the participant 

• display Name – this is collected from the participants joining details 

• self-Image – this is collected when the participant activates their camera 

• IP Address, joining account information (email address) 

Recording /Live Streaming of Events hosted by the Planning Inspectorate 

The Planning Inspectorate will sometimes be required to record or live stream an event, especially if it is of significant public interest and to ensure access to and fairness of the process. The recordings will be used for training and awareness in the first instance as well as for responding to potential challenge.

Live Streams will be used to ensure public access to process and will be streamed using Planning Inspectorate approved software to the Planning Inspectorate approved hosting environment (YouTube for non-National Infrastructure Events or the National Infrastructure Portal).

The Planning Inspectorate is the sole Data Controller for these recordings/livestreams. 

Third Party Recordings for Events not hosted by the Planning Inspectorate 

The Planning Inspectorate works with Local Authorities and other parties . If these parties record/live stream these events/hearings, then this will be covered within their Privacy Notice.

The Planning Inspectorate may receive a copy of any such recording for processing which will be governed within relevant data sharing agreements for Joint Controllers, however, the third parties will remain responsible for the recordings/live streaming. 

Individuals or organisations other than the Planning Inspectorate or LA may undertake recording and/or live streaming of the hearing sessions. In this instance the Planning Inspectorate is not involved in any aspect of the recording or live stream , the data controller will remain the individual or organisation that organised the recording/live stream.

Registering to attend a Planning Inspectorate Webinar 

We collect personal information from you when you register to watch one of our webinars or sign up for our news and events alerts. We will use this information to ensure you can join the webinar and provide follow up information in relation to the webinar such as joining instructions or post event evaluation. 

If you have subscribed to our news and events alerts, we may send you updates about events, news and service announcements. You can unsubscribe at any time via the link in the email. 

• any additional questions we ask is to provide insight in relation to the topic of the webinar. This information may be presented during the webinar and used to improve our services 

• we may state your name during the webinar if you have submitted questions to ask in advance 

• we use Microsoft Forms to collect the information we need to register you as an attendee or for subscriptions to our news and events alerts, and Microsoft Teams to run the webinar 

• the content in Microsoft Forms, as well as end user information, remains in our direct control as administrator and end user. We do not share your personal information with third parties 

• Microsoft processes data on behalf of customers to provide the requested service as set out in its Online Services Terms 

What data do we collect and how do we collect it? 

When you sign up to take part in one of our webinars, we ask you for your full name , email address , organisation  and job title. 

When you join the webinar, we collect your:

• phone number - if you join by phone, then your phone number would be visible to all participants (this can be masked by the individual by turning off Caller ID, generally known as dialling 141) in which case a random number is displayed. Phone numbers will be redacted from the published recording 

• IP address – connections to Microsoft Teams will capture the IP address of the participant 

• display name – this is collected from the participants joining details 

• browser type - if browser is used instead of Teams App 

• self-image (if video is shared) 

• audio (if microphone is used) 

Where will your data be stored? 

Your email address, phone number, display name and image will be stored in the virtual meeting room, within Exchange Online and MS Stream (Video Recording). 

IP Address and Metadata will be stored in the Audit Log. 

Your personal information will be retained no longer than 1 month after the webinar and is not shared with any third parties. The webinar will be held on Microsoft Teams. 

During a webinar, you will be able to stream your video and audio and you will be able to disable your camera and/or mute your microphone if you wish to.

We may make a recording of the webinar which may be published on our social media channels. 

Members of the press may be present during a webinar and they may choose to use elements of the live webinar or recording for their own journalistic purposes after the event. 

Microsoft Teams has a chat function, any comments you make during a webinar will be viewable during and after the event by participants. Chat comments will not be viewable in the recording. 

We use Microsoft Teams to deliver our webinars and live broadcast events. 

We use YouTube to publish the recordings of some events. 

5. Communications and Marketing Activities

We may collect personal information, including contact details such as email addresses, phone numbers and any other information relevant to our communication activities. This information is collected for the purposes of communication, engagement, and to provide you with relevant updates and information about our services, news, events, and activities. 

We use the collected information for the following purposes: 

• To engage with you through social media platforms and respond to your inquiries or comments. 

• To monitor and analyse social media interactions to improve our services and communications. 

• To send you marketing communications, newsletters, or information about events or services that might interest you. To manage and moderate entries on our external website. 

• To respond to media inquiries and facilitate communication with the press.

• To manage and maintain our stakeholder engagement database.

• We may use your contact details to inform you about new services being made available by the Planning Inspectorate to enhance the customer experience and provide a more efficient service.

• We will never sell or otherwise pass on your personal data to any other third party for marketing purposes.

• You can opt-out of receiving marketing communications at any time by following the unsubscribe link in our emails or by contacting us directly.

6. Customer feedback surveys and user research

From time to time, the Planning Inspectorate will conduct customer surveys to seek your feedback on the services we have provided.

We also collect, use, and share aggregated data internally and with other government departments such as statistical or demographic data. Aggregated data may be derived from your personal data but is not considered personal data in law as this data does not directly or indirectly identity you.

For example, we may aggregate the survey data collected to carry out market research and statistical research. However, if we combine or connect aggregated data so that it can directly or indirectly identify you, we will treat the combined data as personal data which will be used in accordance with this privacy notice.

7. Social Media Monitoring

We use a social media listening tool to monitor and analyse publicly available content across social media platforms so that we can monitor public sentiment about Planning Inspectorate services, decisions and policy; identify emerging issues and concerns; support strategic communications; enhance stakeholder engagement; and improve service delivery by gaining insights into user experiences and expectations.

This may include the capture of online identifiers which , in some cases, will include individual names. This may also capture special categories of personal data that appear in public posts, such as political opinions.

8. Artificial Intelligence (AI)

The Planning Inspectorate may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to improve the efficiency and accuracy of our services. Where AI tools are used, we will ensure that:

• we will inform you about our use of AI
• human oversight is maintained at all critical decision points
• no decisions affecting individuals are made by purely automated means
• personal data is processed fairly, lawfully and in line with the UK GDPR, Data Protection Act 2018 and the Data Use and Access Act 2025

We are exploring new possibilities to test this technology in areas where it has not yet been used, while at the same time assessing and managing the associated risks.

We may sometimes use your personal information in order to help test and develop our systems, service and products. This is for the purpose of improving your experience and the quality of our services. Whenever possible, we will use anonymised or other types of non- identifiable personal data for these purposes. 

Third party processors

We may use third party service providers to process information on our behalf. Where we do so, contracts will be put in place to ensure that your personal information is processed only as instructed by us (unless otherwise required by law), and that appropriate measures are in place to ensure the security of information. 

Will your data go outside of the UK?

The data for most of our systems is processed within the UK and countries with which there is an adequacy agreement. We will only use data processors outside of the these countries when it is absolutely necessary to do so and will take all reasonable steps to ensure that the level of data protection is not materially lower than under UK law.  

Can you choose not to provide us with your personal information?

We do not accept anonymous or confidential representations for any types of Planning Inspectorate casework. We will treat your information in confidence if you specifically ask us to but you should be aware that your representation may be given less weight by the Inspector. There are also circumstances where we are legally required to share your data.

• Appellants/Agents If you are an appellant/agent and fail to provide the statutory information needed to validate your case, within the set time periods, then we will not be able to consider your case and it may be deemed invalid. 

• Interested parties There is no statutory obligation on interested parties to participate in a case  but If you are another Interested Party and you fail to provide your name and/or the name of the organisation or group that you represent, we may be unable to accept your representation.  

• Local Plan examination For Local Plans the Inspector is required to examine whether the plan is sound and legally compliant and in doing so they must consider any representations and other documentation submitted by the Local Authority (LA).
  Those participating in a local plan examination should note that their representations will be made available by the LA in line with the Regulations including publication on the LA’s website.

As a Data Controller the LA may or may not redact some or all personal information included in representations and other documentation which is made available. To ensure an open and fair examination, it is important that the Inspector and all other participants in the examination process know who has made representations on the plan and the content of those representations.  

How long do we keep your personal information? 

We will retain your personal information only for as long as is necessary to deliver our services and to meet our legal and regulatory obligations. We maintain specific records management and retention policies and procedures, so that personal information is reviewed and deleted after a reasonable time with the following criteria: 

• the purpose or business activity requiring the processing of your information 

• whether we have any legal obligation to continue to process your information 

• whether we have any legal basis under data protection law to continue to process your information (e.g. Public Task) 

• any relevant agreed sector practices on how long information should be retained 

• for the purpose of defending against legal and regulatory challenges 

Cookies

Cookies are small text files that are placed on your computer when you visit websites. They are widely used in order to make websites work, or work more efficiently, as well as to provide information to the owners of the site. 

The Planning Inspectorate does not use any of our own technology or storage for the creation, presentation or collection of cookies or web beacon analytics. 

Cookies are collected by Microsoft Privacy Statement. 

Annex  - Types of Casework undertaken by the Planning Inspectorate - England 

A full list of Appeals, Applications, Examinations and Orders that this Privacy Notice covers: all types of Planning Inspectorate Casework. 

Provided /Made Available via Website & Other Means	Casework Type	Purpose of Processing
Appeals Casework Portal (ACP) & Email/Post/External Parties	Appeals	Enforcement Listed Building Notice
Appeals Casework Portal (ACP) & Email/Post/External Parties	Appeals	Enforcement Conservation Area Notice
Appeals Casework Portal (ACP)	Appeals	Enforcement Notice
Appeals Casework Portal (ACP) & Email/Post/External Parties	Appeals	Enforcement Lawful Development Certificate
Appeals Casework Portal (ACP) & Email/Post/External Parties	Appeals	Planning Advert Discontinuance
Appeals Casework Portal (ACP)	Appeals	Planning Advertisement Appeal
Appeals Casework Portal (ACP)	Appeals S78	Planning Commercial Appeal Service (CAS)
Appeals Casework Portal (ACP), Appeal a planning decision service. & email/Post/External Parties	Appeals S78	Planning Householder Appeal Service (HAS)
Appeals Casework Portal (ACP) & Email/Post/External Parties	Appeals S78	Prior Approval
Appeals Casework Portal (ACP) & Email/Post/External Parties	Appeals S78	Planning Section 106 Agreement
Appeals Casework Portal (ACP) & Email/Post/External Parties	Appeals	Planning Listed Building Consent & Conservation Area Consent Appeal
Appeals Casework Portal (ACP) & Email/Post/External Parties	Appeals	Non-Validation Appeals
Appeals Casework Portal (ACP), Appeal a planning decision service & Email/Post/External Parties	Appeals S78	Planning Appeal (all procedures)
Appeals Casework Portal (ACP) & Email/Post/External Parties	Appeals	Specialist Purchase Notices
Appeals Casework Portal (ACP) & Email/Post/External Parties	Appeals	Sustainable Drainage System (SUDS) Appeals
Appeals Casework Portal (ACP) & Email/Post/External Parties	Appeals	TCPA screening process
Appeals Casework Portal (ACP) & Email/Post/External Parties	Appeals	TCPA EIA review process
Appeals Casework Portal (ACP) & Email/Post/ External Parties	Applications during the Inspectorate Processing	Cost Decisions
Email/Post/ External Parties	Appeals	Specialist High Hedges
Email/Post/ External Parties	Appeals	Specialist Tree Preservation Order
Email/Post/ External Parties	Appeals	Specialist Tree Replacement Notices
Email/Post/ External Parties	Appeals	HS2 Transport Appeal
Email/Post/ External Parties	Appeals	Environmental Permitting Regulations
Email/Post/ External Parties	Appeals	SSSI Appeals
Email/Post/ External Parties	Appeals	Contaminated Land
Email/Post/ External Parties	Appeals	Marine Licensing
Email/Post/ External Parties	Appeals	Waste Management
Email/Post/ External Parties	Appeals	Water Abstraction
Email/Post/ External Parties	Appeals	Hazardous Substances Appeals
Email/Post/ External Parties	Appeals	Notice Appeals
Email/Post/ External Parties	Appeals	Specialist Hedgerows
Email/Post/ External Parties	Appeals	Restriction Appeals
Email/Post/ External Parties	Appeals	Specialist Rights of Way - Schedule 14
Email/Post/ External Parties	Applications	Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (Section 62A)
National Infrastructure Planning Website(NIP) & Email/Post/ External Parties	Applications	Application for a Development Consent Order (DCO)
National Infrastructure Planning Website (NIP & Email/Post/ External Parties	Applications Direct to Secretary of State (SoS)	Application to make a Non-Material/ Material Change to a Development Consent Orders (DCO)
National Infrastructure Planning Website (NIP) & Email/Post/External Parties	Applications	Planning Act 2008 Transboundary Processes
National Infrastructure Planning Website (NIP) & Email/Post/ External Parties	Making an Application or Making a Representation about a DCO	Planning Act s51 Advice
Email/Post/ External Parties	Applications	Specialist Common Land under the below legislations: Commons Act 2006: Section 16, Commons Act 2006: Section 38, Commons Act 2006: Part 1, Acquisition of Land Act 1981: Section 19 and Schedule 1, National Trust Act 1971: Section 23, Greater London Parks & Open Spaces Order 1967, Approval of Commons Levy Rates, Section 15 of the New Parishes Measure 1943, Section 193 of the Law of Property Act 1925, Schemes of management under the Commons Act 1899, Section 9 of the Countryside Act 1968, Inclosure Acts, Various local Acts and Provisional Order Confirmation Acts (which includes levying of stint rates)
Find a Crown Development Application website for non-urgent crown development applications  Email/post/external parties	Applications or making a representation	Examination of applications made under the non-urgent Crown Development route under s293D and s293J of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990
Email/Post/ External Parties	Applications	Specialist Rights of Way - Schedule 14 Directions
Email/Post/ External Parties	Applications	S36 Applications (Electricity Act 1989)
Email/Post/ External Parties	Applications - Recommendations	Drought Permits
Email/ Post /External Parties	Cost Applications for Withdrawn Casework	Costs Decisions
Email/Post/ External Parties	Applications (Appeals)	Planning Called in Planning Application
Email/Post/ External Parties	Applications	Specialist Necessary Wayleaves and Tree Lopping
Email/Post/ External Parties	Applications	Water Abstraction
Email/Post/ External Parties	Applications	Planning Act 2008 Scoping Process
Email/Post/ External Parties	Applications	Planning Act 2008 Screening process
Email/Post/ External Parties	Applications	Planning Act 2008 (Section 52) - Obtaining information about interests in land
Email/Post/ External Parties	Applications	Planning Act 2008 (Section 53) - Rights of Entry
Email/Post/ External Parties	Examinations	Water Resource Management Plans
Email/Post/ External Parties/Digital Transfer	Examinations	Local Plans
Email/Post/ External Parties/Digital Transfer	Examinations	Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL)
Email/Post/ External Parties/Digital Transfer	Examinations	Spatial Development Strategy
Email/Post/ External Parties	Orders	Harbour Revision Orders
Email/Post/ External Parties	Orders	Drought Orders
Email/Post/ External Parties	Orders	Transport & Works Act Orders
Email/Post/ External Parties	Orders	Highways Act Orders
Email/Post/ External Parties	Orders	Local Planning Authority (LPA) Traffic Regulation Orders
Email/Post/ External Parties	Orders	Local Planning Authority (LPA) London Boroughs Stopping Up Orders
Email/Post/ External Parties	Orders	Ferry and Bridge Toll Orders
Email/Post/ External Parties	Orders	Cycle Tracks Orders
Email/Post/ External Parties	Orders	Stopping Up Orders
Email/Post/ External Parties	Orders	Department for Transport (DfT) Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO)
Email/Post/ External Parties	Orders	Side Road Orders
Email/Post/ External Parties	Orders	Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA )Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO)
Email/Post/ External Parties	Orders	Review of Old Mineral Permissions (ROMPs) and ad-hoc Minerals
Email/Post/ External Parties	Orders	Adverts Secretary of State (SoS) Cases
Email/Post/ External Parties	Orders	Modifications and Revocation of Planning Permission
Email/Post/ External Parties	Orders	Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPO)
Email/Post/ External Parties	Orders	Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) Planning Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPO)
Email/Post/ External Parties	Orders	Rights of Way Orders under the below Legislations: Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, Highways Act 1980, Town & Country Planning Act 1990, Acquisition of Land Act 1981
Email/Post/ External Parties	Coastal Access Reports	Coastal Access
Email/Post/ External Parties	Various Examinations, Orders & Applications	Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) Ad-hoc Requests
Email/Post/ External Parties	Various Examinations, Orders & Applications	Department for Transport (DfT) Ad-hoc Requests
Email/Post/ External Parties	Various Examinations, Orders & Applications	Department for Transport (DfT) Airports
Email/Post/ External Parties	Various Appeals, Orders & Applications	Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) Ad-hoc requests