A council has decided to keep secret the names of people who object to planning applications in what has been described as a blow to local journalists.

Elmbridge Borough Council has made the change, claiming it has been done “with the aim of enhancing community engagement and transparency in the planning process.”

But freelance journalist Charlie Moloney says the change will come as a major blow to journalists who report on controversial planning applications and use the portal as a means to spot potential interviewees.

Elmbridge is home to a number of wealthy celebrities, some of whose interventions in the planning process have previously resulted in newspaper stories.

Charlie, pictured, spotted the changes when reporting on a plan to build a new country mansion on a historic estate, which neighbours fear could disturb the remains of Cardinal Wolsey’s Long Gallery.

He told HTFP: “I started reporting on planning battles in Elmbridge during Covid as a way to find quirky, light-hearted stories – which were in short supply in those times.

“The borough includes Oxshott’s Crown Estate, known as the Millionaires’ Playground, which was once home to Andy Murray and still counts footballers, business executives and high-flying bankers among its inhabitants.

“Over the years I have covered the way these immensely wealthy people have proposed to lavishly redesign their properties, drawing the ire of all their neighbours even as those same neighbours lodge their own plans for swimming pools, tennis courts, staff quarters and the like, all during a cost of living crisis.

“Naturally, back when the names of objectors were included in the portal, I would include the most famous or high-profile complainants to give my stories a bit of a lift. I expect one of those people have complained to the council, hence this change.

“It is just another sad sign of a changed society where privacy increasingly trumps all other considerations.”

A council spokesperson said: “With the aim of enhancing community engagement and transparency in the planning process, we have updated our Statement of Community Involvement (SCI).

“This decision follows a detailed review and public consultation process aimed at refining how residents and stakeholders participate in planning matters.

“The new SCI will no longer publish names and addresses of individuals who submit comments on planning applications.

“In a bid to support our sustainability goals, printed copies of consultation documents will no longer be sent to public libraries. Instead, these documents will be available electronically, ensuring wider and more convenient access for residents and partners.

“Comments on planning applications will be removed from our website once a decision is made and the appeal period has closed. This measure aims to not only streamline the process, but protect individual privacy.”

The changes took effect from January.