Genealogy Chat

I found a close relative's details when googling on their surname. It was in a heap of PCV licence applications. Fortunately it gave the business address only.

Hi Are you sure it was not 192.com or B4Usearch.com? or just from the electoral list. Just my thoughts. Paul

OC Nice to know BT have pulled there finger out at least. Margaret

Peter Thankyou for that information, I will pass this onto my friend - as you can imagine he is being given the run-around at the moment, and is feeling very frustrated.I have told him to take the matter up with our local MP if he doesnt get chapter and verse in writing soon.. The Police have been to give the sister a warning, but as she has severe Mental Health problems this is just a formaility really. However, the Police have liaised with Bt, who have very promptly put a 'filter' on all calls to his house. OC

Dorset County Council (where I live) give name and address online (but not phone numbers) for planning applications. I agree with Grampa Jim, that stating who has applied for the planning might influence the decisions of those who might object. Rather different to the ''notice on a lampost'' which would only been seen by local people. If your friend is talking to the police about this matter.....don't they (the police) know what the rules should be?? Merry

The Freedom of Information Act was an Act to make provision for the disclosure of information held by public authorities or by persons providing services for them and to amend the Data Protection Act 1998 and the Public Records Act 1958; and for connected purposes. Information has to be specifically requested. To use legislation this an excuse for publishing information relating to planning is probably incorrect. If the council persist with this line, then ask to be refered to a higher level of authority. The Data Protection Act is rather different. However contrary to popular opinion it is not all about confidentiallity, but about the 'Fair' use of personal data held on computer. There are certain 'principles' which must be met before the test for 'Fair' is passed. Unless covered by other legislation, the DPA requires data for which approval has been withdrawn to be removed. It is true that the present Government has e-enabled information about planning applications. It might be worth checking what the provisions of this are, in case they overide the DPA. BT and the police should ensure the number is changed immediately, and given the large number of calls made it is hoped that the police have been able to trace the caller, and are taking the appropriate action.

My Daughter performs searches for the Police and Customs and they have to provide a special Data Protection waiver form before she can reveal anything, even a name and address. Surely the Council don't have powers that even Government Agencies aren't allowed.

OK, I have just looked at the website myself - his name and addy are on there, but not his phone number (how did she get that, he's ex-directory???) However, on the SAME page, is a PRIVACY statement which says 'we do not publish any identifying information about you on this site' - what's a name and address then, if its not identifying? I cannot for the life of me see why NAMES have to go on this site - surely the Planning Application number, and the address is sufficient? OC

If names come up on Planning Applications when Googled there is something very wrong. Admittedly you must allow people to know the address where planning is requested for, but it is nobody's business who has applied for it, in fact it could be argued that giving the name may unduly influence decisions.

I've certainly discovered distant rellies by Googling and finding that their details came up on planning applications. Information in the newspapers isn't so detailed, though: providing addresses but not names (at least, that was the case last time I looked.)

So - if I understand this right - A battered wife is rehoused in another district. She is ex directory and she opts out of the Electoral Roll. But if she applies for Planning Permission for a shed, her NAME and ADDRESS will go on the World wide web? Have I got that right? OC

In line with the Government agenda local authorities have to e-enable their services including planning applications. As such anyone can view this information. However it is usually only the name and address published. I think telephone number appearing there is excessive and may breach the DPA.

Brian That's what I thought too - but our Council has decided in its wisdom that it is necessary to publish this info. on the world wide web, presumably in case someone in Honolulu or Ulan Bator objects to my friend putting up a shed. OC

I don't think I have ever seen full name, address and phone number on a planning application notice? Usually it's just the address and details of what has been applied for.

It seems to me that they have not broken the Freedom of Information Act but the Data Protection Act. The information given to the Planning Authority should only be used in enquiries relating to the Planning Application, not to an open query about a name and address.

Twenty two years ago, my friend decided to have nothing more to do with his adoptive family, for reasons I do not wish to divulge on here - suffice it to say, his reasons were good. He is ex-directory, and has opted out of the Electoral Roll. Last Thursday he received a phone call from his adoptive sister who had severe mental health problems. Since thursday to Sunday night, he has received over 70 phone calls, threatening and abusive. The Police are dealing with this, asnd this is not the problem. He asked his sister how she had found him and she said that she googled his name and instantly came up with (our) County Council Website. His full name address and phone number were published on there because he had applied for planning permission for a shed. He has taken this up with the Council, who are of course giving him the run-around, but are quoting The Freedom of Information Act at him, and say that the Government REQUIRES them to publish this on a website. I think this is horse-poo, myself - does anyone know any better? (I may disappear for a while without warning as I am supposed to be doing hostessy things, but will be back asap) Olde Crone

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