Council drone used to spot planning breaches

A Lincolnshire council is using a drone to detect fly-tippers and breaches of planning rules.

North Kesteven District Council said it was training staff to use the technology to also inspect roofs and enforce smoke-free zones.

A spokesperson said the authority decided to buy its own drone after using outside companies in the past.

They added that it would not be flown covertly and pilots would consider data protection and sensitive sites as part of their flight planning.

Councillor Mark Smith said the drone would be used "in targeted areas following intelligence and not through a broad-brush approach."

"The council will utilise drones to obtain video and photographic footage of premises or land for use in detecting and preventing crime, investigating an environmental concern, carrying out enforcement investigations and, crucially, being able to view sites that would be difficult to access from the ground," he said.

"This is great news and will help ensure that the council's investigations are more time efficient, as well as removing potential health and safety issues, such as fly-tipping."

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