E.2 Urban Characterisation#

E.2.1 Introduction to Urban Characterisation#

English Heritage is supporting a national programme of surveys (known as Extensive Urban Survey) of the archaeology, topography and historic buildings of England's historic towns and cities. The results will help local authorities, English Heritage and others to care for the fabric of our towns and cities in the future.

The programme was launched in 1992. The background to it is described in English Heritage's 1992 policy statement 'Managing the Urban Archaeological Resource'. The initial purpose of the programme was to help local authorities in England to implement Planning Policy Statement 5. Now, the programme is also contributing to wider aims, such as the planning of regeneration and conservation initiatives.

The programme is funded by English Heritage from its Historic Environment Commissions budget. It is being carried out by District Councils, County Councils and Unitary Councils across England. For each project, the councils receive grant-aid from English Heritage for the work. The councils themselves are also making substantial contributions to the cost of the work.

The programme is carried out in close collaboration with members of the Association of Local Government Archaeological Officers who lead individual projects in their areas. It is being carried out by District Councils, County Councils and Unitary Councils across England. For each project the councils receive grant-aid from English Heritage from the work. They are also making substantial contributions to the costs of the work themselves.

HLC techniques have also been adapted for urban use too.

See http://www.historicengland.org.uk/research/current-research/discovery/landscapes-and-areas/characterisation/townscape-character/ for more information.