Historic landscape characterisation

Historic landscape characterisation is a programme initiated by English Heritage to increase understanding of the wider landscape, beyond that of the planned parkland of the country estate ["Boundless Horizons", Graham Fairclough, Head of Monuments and Countryside Protections Programmes, article published in Conservation Bulletin Issue 40, March 2001 page 23-26. Available at http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/upload/pdf/boudless_horizons.pdf] . Similar programmes operate in Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland, although different terminology is used.

Description

Historic characterisation is described by the Council for British Archaeology as "a way of going beyond intuition to get beneath the skin of a place and look at its essential qualities and character" ["Factsheet 8: Historic Characterisation, Planning and Regeneration", Council for British Archaeology. Available from http://www.britarch.ac.uk/conserve/planning/plansheet8.html] . The historic landscape characterisation programme does not restrict itself to historic buildings, ornamental landscapes and purely "archaeological" features, but embraces other man made features such as hedges and managed woodland. It recognises that the landscape itself can be historic (in addition to historic features within it). Recognising the historic character of a landscape is intended to allow the landscape itself to be managed and protected within the planning regime operating in England. In most cases, characterisation is focused on an English county, although in some cases it is applied to a region crossing county boundaries.

The programme is intended to:
* document the existing situation in a standardised way;
* identify gaps that merit investigation;
* enable participation in the process by local residents;
* provide information for bodies responsible for planning and land use.

The results are incorporated within a geographical information system which allows maps to be prepared at the level of detail appropriate to the particular purpose. Types of landscape are characterised based on the way in which they were formed, their current and earlier land uses and their physical appearance.

Other than the landscape itself, the methodolgy is largely desk based ["Factsheet 8: Historic Characterisation, Planning and Regeneration", Council for British Archaeology.] ; sources include aerial photographs as well as current and historic maps. Since the landscape is not static, the characterisation will be updated periodically.

Historic landscape characterisation has no statutory basis, however local planning authorities are required to "take account of the historical dimensions of the landscape as a whole". [ "Planning Policy Guidance 15: Planning and the historic environment", September 1994, published by The Stationery Office. Available from http://www.communities.gov.uk/index.asp?id=1143926 ]

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