Police in South Derbyshire are investigating reports from residents that a drone has been spotted flying over homes on the Castleton Park estate.

Drones are becoming ever more popular and are commercially easy and cheaper to purchase than they were a few years ago.

They are small, unmanned flying vehicles that can be operated from a remote control or even a smart phone, with many able to record pictures as they fly overhead.

There are a number of strict laws surrounding the use of drones,which cover where they can and cannot be flown. They have also led to some criticism about the potential for people's privacy to be invaded, especially as they use their gardens during the warmer weather.

Drones equipped with cameras can costs as little as £99.

Councillor Stuart Swann, who represents the Church Gresley ward on South Derbyshire District Council reported at a safer neighbourhood area forum meeting for Swadlincote that drones had been spotted around one estate there and had made some residents uncomfortable.

Drones can be controlled from the ground using a mobile device
Drones can be controlled from the ground using a mobile device

The Conservative councillor said people had approached him about drones in the Castleton Park Estate area, near Castle Gresley.

He said: "I've been approached by a number of residents who have concerns about drones flying and invading their privacy.

"This is on the Castleton Park estate. People are enjoying the sun in bikini tops and a drone has flown overhead. This has happened on a number of occasions, the latest being today."

He was unsure, however, whether each case involved a different drone or whether it was the same one being used.

Members of the safer neighbourhood policing team for the area from Derbyshire Police were present at the meeting and assured Councillor Swann that they would look into the matter.

A spokesman for the policing team told the meeting: "We did look into the rules and regulations. There is a strict criteria about what you can and can't do with a drone.

"Finding out who is flying can be a challenge though."

Councillor Swann welcomed the news that there are regulations into what can be done with a drone.

Commercial drones are becoming more and more popular
Commercial drones are becoming more and more popular

Drone regulations - what you need to know

According to Gov.uk, the government website that lists laws and regulations and how they can be adhered to, there are a number of responsibilities a drone-flyer has to comply with.

They are as follows:

  • To know how to fly your drone safely, and do so within the law,
  • To understand that the operator is legally responsible for every flight,
  • To keep your drone in sight at all times - staying below 400ft,
  • Not to fly your drone over a congested area, never fly within 50 metres of a person, vehicle or building not under your control,
  • Ensure any images you obtain using the drone do not break privacy laws,
  • Avoiding collisions - you should never fly a drone near an airport or close to aircraft. It is a criminal offence to endanger the safety of an aircraft in flight.

In 2018, further regulations were brought into the flying of drones which must be adhered to in British law amid health and safety fears.

New laws now state that a basic online safety test should be taken and drones must be registered in order to lawfully use them.

Police are also now able to search and seize drones should they believe them to be suspicious. The test has been described as being similar to a driving theory test.

Full Gov.uk regulations revolving around drones can be found online at www.gov.uk/government/news/drones-are-you-flying-yours-safely-and-legally.