Aerial drones are set to be used across Basildon as part of a trial.

Basildon Council has agreed a trial period with colleagues in Thurrock to use the drones to solve planning enforcement cases.

Thurrock Council has been using aerial drones for several years and has agreed to provide the service to Basildon Council on a six month trial, starting from September.

A public consultation will be launched during the trial period.

David Harrison, councillor in charge of neighbours and public spaces, said: “The use of this technology will vastly improve our ability to effectively work on enforcement cases.

"Drones provide the tactical capability to gather photographic evidence from a bird’s eye perspective, especially where there is land that is otherwise difficult to access by conventional methods.

“The recent Covid-19 pandemic has also presented challenges associated with social distancing so the use of drones will help alleviate that issue and keep our officers safe whilst continuing to investigate planning breaches.”