Cookies Policy

1. Introduction

This Cookies Policy explains how we use cookies and similar technologies on our website. It also explains your choices regarding these technologies.

We follow the requirements of the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR). This means we only use non‑essential cookies (such as analytics or advertising cookies) with your explicit consent.

2. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files placed on your device when you visit a website. They help websites function, improve performance, and provide information to site owners. Cookies can be:

  • Essential – required for the site to function (e.g., security, page navigation, form submission). These do not require consent.

  • Non‑essential – such as analytics, advertising, or personalisation cookies. These require your consent before being set.

3. How We Use Cookies

We use cookies to:

  • Ensure the website operates correctly

  • Remember your preferences (e.g., cookie consent choices)

  • Improve the performance and usability of the site

  • Understand how visitors use our website (only if you consent to analytics cookies)

We do not set non‑essential cookies unless you have actively opted in via our cookie banner.

4. Types of Cookies We Use

4.1 Essential Cookies (Strictly Necessary)

These cookies are required for the website to function and cannot be switched off. They may include:

  • Cookies that remember your cookie preferences

  • Cookies that enable secure login or form submission

  • Cookies required for core site functionality

Because these cookies are essential, they do not require your consent.

4.2 Functional Cookies (Optional)

If enabled, these cookies may:

  • Remember your preferences (e.g., form details for future use)

  • Support enhanced features such as saved newsletter settings

These cookies are only set if you consent.

4.3 Analytics Cookies (Optional)

With your consent, we use analytics cookies to understand how visitors use our site. This helps us improve content and user experience.

We currently use Google Analytics. If you consent, Google Analytics may collect information such as:

  • Pages visited

  • Time spent on each page

  • Links clicked

  • Browser and device type

Google may process this data on our behalf. Analytics cookies are not set unless you opt in.

You can read more about Google Analytics cookies on Google’s official documentation.

5. Third‑Party Cookies

Some third‑party services may set cookies when you use our site. These may include:

  • Google Analytics (analytics)

  • Embedded content such as videos, maps, or social media widgets

We only load third‑party cookies after you have given consent through our cookie banner.

6. Managing and Withdrawing Consent

You can manage your cookie preferences at any time by:

  • Using our cookie banner or cookie settings tool

  • Adjusting your browser settings to block or delete cookies

Please note that blocking essential cookies may affect the functionality of the website.

For browser‑level controls, consult your browser’s help pages.

7. How Long Cookies Are Stored

Cookies may be stored for:

  • Session duration – deleted when you close your browser

  • A fixed period – depending on the cookie’s purpose

We aim to use the shortest reasonable retention periods for all cookies.

8. Your Rights

Under UK GDPR, you have rights over your personal data, including:

  • The right to access your data

  • The right to withdraw consent

  • The right to request deletion of data collected via cookies (where applicable)

You can exercise these rights by contacting us.

9. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Cookies Policy or how we use cookies, contact us at: info@the plain.uk