Interesting indeed. I’ll drop in the detail but they were quite specific. When able I will upload the files and link to the actual response.
Maidstone Borough Council
Freedom of Information Act Request
Ref: FOI/10608
Date: 19th December 2023
Request and Response
- Does MBC have any bye laws in place which either restrict or forbid
the take off or landing of sub 249g drones from any of their parks (for
instance but not limited to Mote Park)?
Yes. - If any such by laws exist please would you provide me with a copy or
link to the documents outlining the bye law.
See attached document, titled Bylaws Relating to Parks & Open Spaces. Bylaws
36,37 & 38 are relevant. - Other than flights clearly being forbidden over Maidstone Prison (in
accordance with the CAA Air Navigation Order) does MBC have any by
laws which would restrict or prohibit the take off or landing of sub 249g
drones from any public areas of Maidstone Borough including the town
centre? As a caveat to this question this would be on the understanding
that the CAA rules under article 241 of the ANO and the Drone Code
were being adhered to.
See attached document, titled Bylaws Relating to Parks & Open Spaces. Bylaws
36,37 & 38 are relevant.
Under section 16 of the Freedom of Information Act we have a duty to advise
and assist. I can advise that in addition to the provisions set out in the bylaws,
consideration is given to whether the drone is being flown in an anti-social way
or in a way so as to give rise to a nuisance, with officers using the relevant
powers under the Anti-social Crime and Policing act 2014 and the Environmental
Protection Act 1990 as appropriate and necessary. - If any such by laws exist related to question 3 please would you
provide me with a copy or link to the documents outlining the bye law.
See attached document, titled Bylaws Relating to Parks & Open Spaces. Bylaws
36,37 & 38 are relevant. - Does MBC have any strategies, policies or procedures in place with
regard to either the recreational or commercial use of drones from
council land including open spaces.
No - If any such strategies, policies or procedures exist in relation to
question 5 please would you provide me with a copy or link to the
documents outlining the bye law.
Under section 1(1)(a) of the Freedom of Information Act, we are writing to
advise you that, following a search of our paper and electronic records, we have
established that the information you requested is not held by this Council. This is
because no such strategies, policies or procedures exist. - If the council has any strategies, policies, procedures or bye laws in
place in relation to the recreational or commercial flight of drones from
or over its council properties or land including open spaces and parks
does the council have legal advice confirming go that those strategies,
policies, procedures or bye laws are either aligned with CAA regulations,
enforceable and/or accurate. If such legal advice exists please provide
me with a copy of this or link to where it can be read.
Under section 1(1)(a) of the Freedom of Information Act, we are writing to
advise you that, following a search of our paper and electronic records, we have
established that the information you requested is not held by this Council. This
is because we do not have any such legal advice.