Department for Transport

The complainant requested from the Department for Transport (“DfT”) information about estimates of the effect of HS2, the high speed rail project, on property values near the proposed route for the line. The DfT applied the exemptions in sections 29(1) (a) (prejudice to the economic interests of the UK) and 35(1)(a) (formulation or development of government policy) to the requested information. In the alternative, it applied the exception in regulation 12(4) (d) (incomplete materials, documents or data) if the information was determined to be environmental information under the EIR The Commissioner’s decision is that the requested information is environmental information under the EIR and that the exception in regulation 12(4)(d) is not engaged. The Commissioner requires the public authority to disclose to the complainant the withheld information to which it applied the exception in regulation 12(4)(d). Information Tribunal appeal EA/2014/0076 withdrawn