Make a Request for Environmental Information

Introduction

The Environmental Information Regulations allows people to request environmental information from us.  This is separate to your right under Freedom of Information.

Environmental information can include:

• information on biodiversity
• data on emissions or pollution
• information about land development
• information on waste management
• policies or work that we carry out that’s likely to have an effect on the environment

There is a wide range of environmental information that we record and hold and you can request this under the Environmental Information Regulations.

We provide free access to a wide range of information through:

• Our website (see suggested web pages below)
• Access to any public registers which we hold

Can we charge a fee?

In some circumstances we can charge a fee for making the information available.  Charges may cover:

• Photocopying
• Printing
• Postage
• Staff time identifying, locating or retrieving the information

Any charge must be reasonable and must not exceed the cost of producing the information.

We cannot charge for allowing access to a public register or inspection of the requested information or where there is no cost to the Council in providing the information to you.

When a charge is involved, where possible we will suggest alternative information that may be of interest to you or ways to refine your request that could reduce the fee.

If a charge is to be made, we’ll issue you with an invoice and will provide you with the requested information upon payment of the fee.