Retail and Leisure Study 2026: privacy

Service area covered by this privacy notice

Planning Policy

Introduction

The Council has appointed consultants to undertake a Retail and Leisure Study. This will include a telephone survey of residents to be conducted by NEMS Market Research Limited. The study will inform a new local plan for Hart (Hart Local Plan 2044).  

Lawful basis for processing personal data

  • The lawful basis for processing of this information is ‘public task’ as defined under Article 6(1)(e) of the UK General Data Protection Regulations.
  • Local plan-making has a clear basis in law through the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 (as amended).  

Nature of personal data being processed

Telephone numbers are generated independently for research purposes (e.g. random digit dialling or commercially sourced samples where applicable).

During the survey:

  • NEMS will not collect names.
  • Responses are anonymised at the point of analysis.
  • Any incidental personal data (e.g. if volunteered) is not retained beyond fieldwork processing. 

How we will use your personal information

NEMS will temporarily process limited personal data (e.g. telephone numbers during fieldwork). However:

  • This is strictly for the purpose of conducting the survey.
  • Data is not shared onward or reused.
  • Final outputs provided to the Council are fully anonymised.

Who we will share your data with

NEMS will not share or re-use personal data including with the Council or any of its local plan consultants. 

How long the Council will keep your personal data

  • Any contact/sample data is retained only for the duration of fieldwork and quality checks.
  • Survey responses are anonymised and retained in aggregated form only.

Your rights

Individuals have rights under UK GDPR which you can exercise separately with the data controller. Individuals also have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).