Applying Historic Landscape Characterization in Spatial Planning: from Remnants to Remanence

Abstract

Historic landscape is formed from the ubiquitous traces and cultural associations which help to create a distinctive sense of place. Historic landscape characterization (HLC) is explored as a framework which focuses upon character and temporal processes, rather than isolated ‘snapshots’ of time and space, and as a means to engage with a wider spatial urban heritage. The paper reports on a period of ‘action research’ in collaboration with two local authorities in the north of England. The results highlight the way in which heritage ‘value’ lay not just in site-specific physical remains but also in the wider legacy of space and morphology. Interventions with the local authorities resulted in the uptake of HLC data in planning and land management policies, as well as planners' more general appreciation of the significance of time-depth, and how this could be supported through emergent techniques. Overall, an emphasis on the evidential value of landscape time-depth may be summarized as a shift in focus from ‘remnants’ to ‘remanence’.

Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge the assistance of South Yorkshire Archaeology Service, Sheffield City Council, Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, Dr Anna Jorgensen (University of Sheffield), and Graham Fairclough (English Heritage). This research was supported by an Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) CASE studentship, Award No. PTA-033-2006-00031; the industry partner and co-sponsor was English Heritage.  The views expressed in this paper are those of the authors, and not necessarily those of the collaborating local authorities or English Heritage.

Notes

English Heritage is a non-departmental government body, predominantly financed by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) in England. They define their role as championing historic places and advising the government and others on the nation's heritage.