Member

The noble Baroness also asked about sensitive information and how that is handled. In the majority of cases, it may not be necessary to include sensitive information as part of the application because it may not be relevant to whether planning permission should be granted. However, there may be cases where that cannot be avoided, and where this is so there are provisions to enable that information to be withheld. There is a Crown casework team in the department which is made aware when sensitive information is involved. That ensures that the level of care is appropriate and that inspectors or officials with the right level of clearance can be stood up to deal with that application. I hope that is helpful.