EXTENSIVE URBAN SURVEYS IN SUSSEX : WHAT ARE THEY?

What is the Extensive Urban Surveys Programme?
Developed and funded by English Heritage, this national programme is carried out principally by local authorities. A few counties have begun their surveys (including Kent and Surrey CCs) and some (e.g. Somerset CC) have completed them. English Heritage also funds a more detailed programme for towns of outstanding historic interest known as the Intensive Urban Surveys Programme.

What are the Surveys trying to achieve?
The Extensive Urban Surveys (EUS) assess the historic character of selected towns. Because we want a better deal these days for the conservation of our heritage, change must go hand in hand with the protection of historic buildings and archaeology. This will be achieved by providing local planning authorities with planning guidance and archaeological advice on high quality urban conservation. The Surveys will help to define Conservation Areas, assess historic environmental value and archaeological potential and identify research priorities. They will also have an educational purpose, stimulating interest in our rich urban heritage.

Who is doing the Sussex Surveys and how long will it take?
West Sussex (WSCC) and East Sussex (ESCC) County Councils and Brighton and Hove City Council have teamed up with the Borough and District Councils and the AONB agencies to carry out the Extensive Urban Surveys of historic towns in Sussex. The local authorities have appointed an independent specialist Dr Roland Harris to carry out the programme. English Heritage is funding his appointment, logistical support being supplied by the County Councils. Dr Harris started work in March 2004 and will take three years to complete the Surveys, finishing in March 2007. The results of his work will be copyrighted by the County Councils and Brighton & Hove City and be made widely available.

Who drew up the list of towns?
The County Council asked Dr Helen Clarke, former Lecturer in Medieval Archaeology at University College London to design the Survey programme and draw up a list of towns for study. 41 towns were selected. The existence of an historical market was the main criterion. However, other, newer and substantial towns have been selected, based on an historic function, whether industry, railway or resort. Peacehaven (1916) is the most recently founded town.

What about Winchelsea, Chichester and Fishbourne?
As noted above, English Heritage also funds the more detailed Intensive Urban Surveys (IUS) for historic towns of outstanding interest. The IUS for Winchelsea has recently been completed. English Heritage and Chichester District Council are setting up the IUS for Chichester and Fishbourne, timed to begin this year.

What about other settlements which are not covered?
The Surveys do not extend to villages, although some villages are quite big or have been expanded with new development. The main priority right now is to complete the current contract. However, it may be possible at some stage to extend the work to certain other settlements, and suggestions are welcome.

What will the town reports contain?
Hard copy and electronic or web-based reports on each town, with illustrative plans will be produced district-by-district. Each will contain: summary of the history and archaeology of the town. a reconsideration of how they developed. assessment of historic character types/areas and environment value.

What sequence of towns will we follow?
Dr Harris is now piloting the Study in the Horsham District towns (complete September 2004), to be followed by those in Mid Sussex District, (complete January 2005) . He will then follow the sequence Lewes, Wealden, Rother. Arun, Chichester, Brighton and Hove, Eastbourne, Worthing, Adur, Hastings and Crawley

How will the guidance to local authorities be handled?
Once the town reports are completed and agreed for a district, the county, unitary and district authorities will work together to produce authority-wide Supplementary Planning Documents for the 41 towns and Winchelsea under the new Local Development Frameworks now being prepared by the local planning authorities. The planning documents will be subject to formal consultation procedures. This process of getting these documents drafted may take some time and you will be kept informed of progress.

How can I get copies of the town reports?
The town reports will be available on compact disc, and in hard copy for those users unable to download the electronic data. Hard copies will also be sent to all public libraries in the historic towns and lodged in the county record offices. The intention is to make reports available as each district is completed. In the longer term, the County Councils are also collaborating to put the entire survey and available guidance on a website devoted to the character and heritage of the two counties.

Why have you contacted me or my organisation?
The County Councils and Brighton & Hove City Council have compiled a list of over 200 representatives from the partner authorities, organisations and individuals most likely to be interested in the Surveys.

How can I tell you my views on the Surveys?
We will send you the town reports (those for Horsham will be available in the autumn) and guidance as they become available, and invite you to comment. We will always tell you how your views have been taken into account including any suggestions for improvements. We are also considering a Conference in 2005. In the meantime, you are welcome to contact the Team about work in progress in your district area.

Whom do I contact?
Bob Connell, Principal Planner and Sussex EUS Project Manager, West Sussex County Council Tel. 01243 777040 for general queries.
For West Sussex towns: John Mills, Archaeologist, West Sussex County Council Tel. 01243756851
For East Sussex towns and Brighton & Hove: Andrew Woodcock, County Archaeological Officer, East Sussex County Council Tel. 01273 481608

We will keep you in the picture!

THE FORTY ONE TOWNS SELECTED FOR THE SUSSEX EUS PROJECT