In recent years, planners have been under increasing pressure, whilst trying to deal with diminishing resources, to deliver new developments in order to boost the economy and housing. Now, it appears, some local planning authorities are turning to technology to help them out - drones.
According to an investigation carried out by the Daily Telegraph, a dozen councils have admitted to using or hiring drones, with some claiming they can be used to check on planning applications, the conditions of buildings, to check dangerous structures and to monitor coastal erosion.
Epping Forest District Council said it bought two drones in February, which could be used by its planning enforcement and emergency planning departments.
However, such a use of drones is a cause for concern for the Liberal Democrats, who have called for a code of practice to govern how councils use drones. In addition, there is a clear concern about the privacy of local residents, especially if the council will use drones to snoop on people.
Planners - what do you think? Are drones a useful resource to have, or do you think their use is concerning? Let us know @cedrec_news.
