Right to object

You can object to specific types of processing, including:

• processing which is based on legitimate interests or our official authority
• direct marketing
• scientific or historical research or statistical use

When we intend to process your personal information for these purposes, you will be given the opportunity to object when we first contact you about it.

Legitimate interests or official authority

You can object to our processing if it is based on our official authority in the public interest, but your objection must be on grounds relating to your particular situation. This means we will consider your objection in relation to the reasons why we need it, and will stop processing your personal information unless:

• we believe we have legitimate grounds for the processing, which overrides your objection or
• the information is needed for legal claims

For example, you may wish to object to your name and address being published as part of the publicly available planning application register if you are at real risk of harm.

Even if we are required to make this information available, we may agree to remove your details from publication based on your particular circumstances.

Direct marketing

You have an absolute right to object to marketing at any time and we will stop processing your personal information for direct marketing purposes as soon as we receive your objection. This includes profiling that is related to such direct marketing. There are no grounds for us to refuse your objection.

Direct marketing covers the promotion of aims and objectives of the organisation as well as the sale of goods and services.

We will inform you of your right to object at the point of first communication with you and in our privacy notice.

Research

You can object to our processing for research purposes but your objection must be on grounds relating to your particular situation.  

If we are conducting research where the processing of personal information is necessary for one of our official functions, we are not required to comply with your objection to the processing.

Page last reviewed: 13 April 2020