Menu
Green fields highlighted by sunrays through heavy clouds from Curbar Edge

Publication scheme

peak district landscape

Peak District National Park Authority: Publication Scheme & Open Information Guide

The Peak District National Park Authority (PDNPA) is committed to transparency and open government. Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOI) and the Environmental Information Regulations 2004 (EIR), members of the public have a general right to access recorded information held by the Authority.

As an independent body funded by Defra, the Authority works across Derbyshire and the surrounding Peak District counties to conserve the landscape, support local communities, and promote public enjoyment. This Publication Scheme outlines what information is routinely available, how to access it, and when legal exemptions apply.

What Information You Can Access (Classes of Information)

The Authority groups routinely published information into several clear categories:

  • Who We Are & What We Do: Organisational structure, committee member appointments, salary scales, senior staff roles, office locations, current job vacancies, and partnership projects.
  • Priorities & Performance: The Peak District National Park Management Plan, annual reports, Climate Change Strategy, Nature Recovery Plan, and local planning policies.
  • Spending & Finances: Annual accounts, senior salaries, member allowances, contracts register, parking revenue, and all Authority spending over £250.
  • Decision Making: Agendas, reports, and minutes for the Authority, Planning Committee, and Audit Resources & Performance Committee meetings.
  • Policies & Standards: Codes of conduct, customer charters, equality and diversity policies, complaints procedures, and data protection privacy notices.
  • Public Lists & Registers: Online planning application register, weekly planning lists, open access land maps, land holdings, and quarterly FOI disclosure logs.
  • Open Datasets: Spatial and map data covering conservation areas, listed buildings, tree preservation orders (TPOs), Article 4 directions, and Authority boundaries (accessible via the PDNPA Spatial Data Portal and GOV.UK).
  • Public Services: Visitor centre locations, cycle hire hubs, ranger services, educational resources, planning guidance, and public car parks (with What3Words locations for facilities).

Download Full Publication Scheme

A PDF document containing links to all our Publications can be downloaded from our democracy.peakdistrict.gov.uk website under Library > Freedom of Information > Publication scheme.

Information That May Be Excluded

The right to access information is subject to specific legal exemptions. Information may be withheld if disclosure would:

  • Breach personal privacy or data protection laws.
  • Harm ongoing conservation efforts or wildlife protection.
  • Disclose commercially sensitive contracts, tender bids, or financial details.
  • Breach legal professional privilege or confidentiality rules under the Local Government Act 1972.
  • Impair internal discussions, draft audits, or incomplete research.

If requested information cannot be disclosed, the Authority will provide a full explanation outlining the specific statutory exemption applied.

How to Access Information & Request Formats

Most documents are free to download directly from the Authority’s official website.

  • Alternative Formats: Large print, Braille, and audio formats are available upon request.
  • Physical Copies: Reference copies of certain materials can be inspected at main regional libraries, local records offices, and The National Archives at Kew.
  • Fees: Digital downloads are typically free, though standard costs may apply for paper printing or specialist requests in line with the Authority’s Schedule of Charges.

Contact Details & Information Requests

For information requests, FOI inquiries, or alternative format requirements, contact the Customer and Democratic Support Team:

Share this page