Decision details
Small Unmanned Aircraft (Drone) Policy
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Decision Maker: Cabinet
Decision status: For Determination
Is Key decision?: Yes
Is subject to call in?: No
Purpose:
Small Unmanned Aircraft (SUA) / Drone use is growing at a rapid rate in the UK. Drone usage will provide a safer option for certain work streams, and this Policy sets out the controls required to implement Drones and their use for Council activities.
Decision:
Decision
That Cabinet:
a) Approves the policy and the use of Drones for specified works.
b) Delegates authority to the Chief Executive or Monitoring Officer to make any minor or inconsequential amendments to the policy.
Reasons for the decision
To ensure the Council has an approved policy in place for the use of Small Unmanned Aircraft (Drones).
Other options considered
The Council could have continued to utilise scaffolding and mobile towers with current safety mitigations or engage contractors to undertake the works and inspections
Report author: Phil Swinton
Publication date: 22/07/2026
Date of decision: 21/07/2026
Decided at meeting: 21/07/2026 - Cabinet
Accompanying Documents: