Decision details

Small Unmanned Aircraft (Drone) Policy

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: