Sussex Historic Landscape Characterisation

Request information about the historic landscape of Sussex.

1 Overview

Historic Landscape Characterisation (HLC) is an interpretation of landscape change, showing how it has been influenced by both natural and human activities. Activities such as farming, settlement and recreation have left physical traces that add to the changing character of the landscape. It is vital that landscape character is understood in order to manage future change and impact.

The Sussex HLC is a partnership between East and West Sussex County Councils and Brighton and Hove Unitary Authority, with part funding by English Heritage through their national HLC survey programme.

The Sussex HLC is a guidance tool to inform further landscape survey and analysis, and to place other datasets, such as the Historic Environment Record (HER), within the landscape context. It should be viewed as a first step to understanding the historic time-depth of any given area.

Historic Landscape Characterisation project reports:

2 Request an Historic Environment Record

All requests must be submitted using the enquiry form.

Before submitting the HER enquiry form read the charging policy, under 'Supporting documents' below, which explains the levels of charges and additional charges.

Historic Environment Record enquiry form (external link)

Requests will normally be processed within 10 working days but more complex enquiries may take longer.

Priority requests will be processed within 2 working days, subject to available resources.

We do not offer a consultancy service to developers; these services are provided by archaeological consultants.  

Supporting documents

3 Examples of Historic Landscape Characterisation reports

Examples of Historic Landscape Characterisation (HLC) reports and accompanying maps provided by the Historic Environment Record (HER) below:

See also Landscape Character Assessment for East Sussex

Last updated:
27 August 2024
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