History in Views

Seeing the history in the view: assessing heritage significance within views

Front cover of the History in Views publication English Heritage is developing a method to help it assess the historical significance of views, systematically and consistently.

The proposed method draws on English Heritage’s Conservation Principles for the sustainable management of the historic environment.  Part 1 describes a method of assessing the historical significance of a view that would be applicable whatever historic assets may be visible in it. Part 2 describes how English Heritage would assess the likely impact of specific development proposals on particular views.

We are keen that as many organisations and individuals as possible should have the opportunity to contribute to the refinement of this guidance which is nationally applicable. Please pass on this draft to whoever you think may have an interest.

After public consultation English Heritage intends to apply this method to its own decisions in relation to developments affecting views. We will recommend the same approach to local planning authorities and other interested parties.

We closed our consultation on 4th July 2008 and will analyse and publish the results of the comments we have received. We plan to publish a revised document taking account of these responses in the summer of 2008.

If you have any questions about the draft document, ‘Seeing the history in the view’, please contact us by email at historyinviews@english-heritage.org.uk or by post to ‘History in Views’, London Region, English Heritage, 1 Waterhouse Square, 138–142 Holborn, London EC1N 2ST