FOI release

Local Plans Layers

Some or all of the information requested was not provided because we didn't hold it.

Case reference FOI2025/02008

Received 6 October 2025

Published 17 October 2025

Request

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to formally request the provision of the most recent Local plans shape file in vector format for Herefordshire. Currently, the mapped local plans maps cannot be assessed in sufficient detail, and having access to them in vector format is crucial for our analysis for planning purposes. I am happy to receive map/shape files in any recognised vector format which contains the coordinates describing the shape of the local plans, so can be used in GIS software. As local plans are part of land designation, these shape files should be publicly accessible. Therefore, I kindly ask that you provide these shape files in a compatible vector format. If the shape files are not available, please provide information about any Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) that you may have relating to conservation areas. Such APIs will help us accessing the files directly without the use of email. Please treat this request under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, ensuring that the files and documentation are provided in the requested formats. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. I look forward to your response and the provision of the requested information.

Response

 

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to formally request the provision of the most recent Local plans shape file in vector format for Herefordshire. Currently, the mapped local plans maps cannot be assessed in sufficient detail, and having access to them in vector format is crucial for our analysis for planning purposes.

I am happy to receive map/shape files in any recognised vector format which contains the coordinates describing the shape of the local plans, so can be used in GIS software. As local plans are part of land designation, these shape files should be publicly accessible.

Therefore, I kindly ask that you provide these shape files in a compatible vector format. If the shape files are not available, please provide information about any Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) that you may have relating to conservation areas. Such APIs will help us accessing the files directly without the use of email.

Please treat this request under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, ensuring that the files and documentation are provided in the requested formats. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. I look forward to your response and the provision of the requested information.

 

          A: Answer: This data can only be shared with you in the format requested via certain data licensing agreements that cover its re-use. Information provided under FOI /EIR is essentially disclosed to the world at large not just to the person who requested it, and as such we are not able to disclose this information under this legislation, because everyone’s re-use needs would be different and we would not be able to guarantee compliance with the licensing conditions. However, if you contact GISmapping@hoopleltd.co.uk and request this information, providing full details of the users of the data and the purpose of use, they will be able to agree with you the correct licensing agreement and provide data under the terms of that agreement.

The Service Area have advised that Herefordshire Council does not currently have a corporate system for providing the local plans data publicly via API. They are developing plans to have a system capable of doing this – but this is in the very early stages.

Documents

There are no documents for this release.

This is Herefordshire Council's response to a freedom of information (FOI) or environmental information regulations (EIR) request.

You can browse our other responses or make a new FOI request.