FT/EA/2024/0478 - [2025] UKFTT 01244 (GRC)

Responding to this volume of correspondence has taken up a very substantial proportion of my workload, diverting my attention from other customers and core duties. It has also placed a significant burden on my manager, who has had to step in, and support work I was unable to complete due to the demands of this case.

The repetitive and unrelenting nature of these interactions has had a serious personal impact. I have experienced stress, anxiety, and emotional fatigue, particularly due to the anticipation of further emails or requests and the tone of which they are written. The constant challenge to our responses — no matter how carefully considered or complete — has been difficult to manage.

I first became aware of Homeseptic in July 2022, when I supervised a number of existing complaints they had lodged regarding permit applications. This continued through to September 2023, and I was also involved with the appeal Homeseptic lodged with the Planning Inspectorate, on behalf of its client and the permit applicant Mr Nicoll.

Homeseptic followed the correct procedure in lodging the complaint with the Planning Inspectorate as this is the correct course of action if an applicant is not satisfied with a permit application decision. However, it was the constant correspondence that we received during this time that placed a considerable burden on my team. Myself, members of my team and other colleagues, then embarked on an intense 9-month period which covered the appeal to the Planning Inspectorate, multiple requests for information made by Homeseptic some relating

to this appeal. We also received complaints, and requests for information relating to other permit applications and decisions as well as a subject access request. I consider this all stems from Homeseptic not agreeing with the EA on the issue of the General Binding Rules, interpretation of British Standard drainage fields and the use of a risk assessment infiltration spreadsheet in the permit determination process.

Homeseptic has been informed on many occasions that our permit determinations are in accordance with the relevant rules and regulations and therefore, we are unable to change our position. Further, there is a real risk that should the information be made available in the requested format this would result in my teams workload increasing significantly as they will not be able to rely on the spreadsheets provided as part of the permitting application process without checking the set formulas have not been altered. This will place an extra burden on the team.

I have informed Homeseptic that the Environment Agency cannot assist with their underlying grievance, but this has made no difference, and they continue to correspondence on the issue which is causing disruption and irritation in my team as well as distress to me and my staff…

Sometimes as a consequence of having to set aside time to address the issues raised by Homeseptic, I find myself having to deprioritise support to my direct reports and other staff. This is the aspect that dismays me the most and strikes at my core values and beliefs and causes the biggest upset to my current working life…

I have had to make my manager, Faye Charlesworth (Permitting Deputy Director) aware of the negative impact on my wellbeing dealing with Homeseptic’s correspondence has had on me. I recall that on a particular occasion to illustrate the effect it has had on me told Faye how on a particular day after dealing within Homeseptic’s FOI requests, combined with managing my team and dealing with other applicants, I needed every kilometre of my cycling commute home to decompress from my work

The persistent volume of requests, justifications and challenges, coupled with unwarranted personal accusatory insinuations relating to how responses are provided, has contributed to increased stress and anxiety. This stress and anxiety has lead to me seeking support from my Team Leader and also speaking to my GP.