Excellent news! I sent them an FoI request asking for the data behind the proposal. I had an acknowledgement containing a deadline by which they guaranteed a reply and then heard no more. I chased it up with them but no response.
Here’s what I sent to them, feel free to adapt for similar future proposals elsewhere if useful:
I am submitting this as a request under the Freedom of Information Act 2000.
I understand Brighton & Hove City Council is currently consulting on a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) that would restrict drone take-off and landing in council-owned parks and public open spaces.
The cabinet report supporting this proposal refers to a history of drones being flown unsafely, including around children’s playgrounds and recreation areas.
To understand the evidence base for this, please could you provide:
The number of drone-related incidents, complaints, or reports recorded by the council and/or Sussex Police relating to Brighton & Hove for each of the last five years.
For each incident: a brief description of the nature of the incident (e.g. proximity to people, playgrounds, wildlife disturbance, privacy complaint, near-miss with aircraft), and the location (park/open space name, or general area).
Of those incidents, how many involved drones being flown in a manner that did not comply with Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) rules, as opposed to compliant flights that were merely the subject of a complaint.
How many incidents resulted in a police report, a fixed penalty notice, criminal proceedings, or a criminal conviction, and under what legislation.
Any underlying data, reports, or correspondence referenced or relied upon in preparing the cabinet report of 29 June 2026 recommending the drone element of the PSPO.
Whether any alternative approaches were considered before proposing a blanket restriction on take-off and landing (for example, permits for registered CAA operators, or restrictions targeted at specific sites with a demonstrated history of incidents), and if so, why they were not taken forward.
Any equality impact assessment or economic impact assessment carried out in relation to the proposed drone restriction, including consideration of licensed commercial operators.