South Downs National Park Authority

The complainant has requested information relating to legal advice supplied to South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA) concerning bus re-provision and the local plan. SDNPA refused the request citing section 42 – legal professional privilege. The Commissioner’s decision is that SDNPA should have considered the request under the Environmental Information Regulations 2004 (the EIR). The Commissioner also finds that the relevant exception, regulation 12(5)(b) (the course of justice), is engaged and the public interest favours maintaining the exception. The Commissioner does not require any steps as a result of this decision.