125 Arheo 26, 2009, 125-139 Introduction The purpose of this paper is initially to provide a brief introduction to the concept and use of Urban Historic Landscape Characterisation Studies (UHLC) in the UK, and then to use a recent example of one of these studies to illustrate how they work in practice. Prior to dis- cussing UHLC studies in any great detail a general intro- duction about Historic Landscape Characterisation (HLC) is required. However, a detailed description of the HLC method is not necessary here, since several excel- lent examples and critiques have been published else- where (e.g. Herring 1998; Fairclough 1999; Fairclough, Lambrick, McNab 1999; Dyson-Bruce 2002; Fairclough 2002a; Fairclough, Lambrick, Hopkins 2002; Darlington 2002; Aldred, Fairclough 2003; Clark, Darlington, Fairclough 2004; Fairclough 2008). Landscape assessment in the UK, in its modern sense, has its origins in the late 1980s, following previously unsuccessful attempts to produce objective, quantified methods. In particular, the attempts in the 1970s were focused on landscape value. Also, they claimed to be an entirely objective process, compared value of one land- scape with another and claimed to rely on quantitative measurement of landscape elements (Swanwick 2002). However, on a broader scale the nascent of the method can be recognised as early as the 1940s and 1950s with the creation of the first UK protected areas, known as National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (Fairclough 2003, 295-297). Delving back further into the past, there is a long English tradition of landscape assessment based on the aesthetic values of landscape (for an overview see e.g. Wylie 2007, 17-54 or Johnson 2007 for an archaeological perspective). A salient exam- ple of this was William Stukeley’s work around Stonehenge in the early 18 th century where he attempted to explore the wider relationship between the monu- ments in that area and placing them within their land- scape context. During the 1990s, there was an increased interest in characterisation, a term used to denote a broad and gen- eralised understanding and appreciation of the overall character and significance of the environment or heritage of an area, preferably at landscape scale. Characterisation tries to take into account multiple ways of valuing, in order to help manage change (Fairclough 2002b, 57-59). Principally, HLC adopts the idea that landscape is not quite the same as environment. In this sense, there is a need for archaeological and historical understanding of past environments which transcend a mere description of the physical traces of the past. What is also important is the particularly cultural essence of the landscape. It is a product of hundreds, or sometimes thousands, of years of cultural action; at the same time the landscape is cultur- al because it is created only in the present-day and is an intellectual construct of the present day. These ideas Urban Historic Landscape Characterisation in Practice: Oldbury Town Centre Case Study Historični značaj urbane krajine v praksi: primer zgodovinskega središča mesta Oldbury © Shane Kelleher Birmingham University, Birmingham Archaeology s.kelleher@bham.ac.uk © Benjamin Štular ZRC SAZU, Inštitut za arheologijo bstular@zrc-sazu.si Abstract: This paper provides a brief introduction to the concept and use of Urban Historic Landscape Characterisation Studies (UHLC) in the UK. It highlights the multidisciplinary nature of these studies and the diverse range of skills and techniques utilised characterising urban areas. A recent Urban Historic Landscape Characterisation Study of Oldbury Town Centre in the West Midlands as part of a Conservation Area Boundary Appraisal is used to practically illustrate the method- ologies utilised in such studies. The Oldbury case study succinctly delineates how the integration of historical and archaeological analysis, spatial analysis, and character analysis of a complex urban area can, when combined with community involvement, be a highly rewarding, useful, and analytical exercise in assisting in our understanding, com- munication and management of the historic environment. Keywords: Urban Historic Landscape Characterisation, methodolo- gy, Oldbury, West Midlands (England). Izvleček: Prispevek na začetku prinaša kratek metodološki pregled konceptov in uporabe historične karakterizacije urbane krajine. Pri tem je poudarjena multidisciplinarnost teh študij in prikazan razpon potreb- nih znanj in tehnik. Metodologija je prikazana na primeru karakteriza- cije historičnega jedra mesta Oldbury v regiji West Midlands, ki je potekala v okviru postopkov prostorskega načrtovanja. Primer na zgoš- čen način prikazuje, kako prepletanje historične in arheološke analize s prostorsko analizo in karakterizacijo kompleksnega urbanega okolja v povezavi z vključevanjem lokalnih skupnosti pripelje do uporabnega rezultata, ki uporabniku dejansko pomaga pri razumevanju in upravlja- nju s historičnim okoljem. Ključne besede: urbana historična karakterizacija krajine, metodo- logija, Oldbury, Black Country, West Midlands (Anglija). 1.01 Izvirni znanstveni članek Keleher Stular1:master test 3+1 2.12.2009 20:28 Page 125 126 Urban Historic Landscape Characterisation in Practice: Oldbury Town Centre Case Study have been brought together, focussed and built upon in the European Landscape Convention (Council of Europe 2000). HLC Methodologies, Aims and Uses The HLC methodology is an example of transplanting these ideas into everyday practice of landscape protec- tion. As a starting point it borrowed many methods and ideologies from current practices and ideas in main- stream landscape assessment. This was a conscious and deliberate borrowing in order to create a common lan- guage that would be readily understandable to non- archaeologists, and in particular to planners and land- scape architects (Fairclough, Lambrick, Hopkins 2002, 70). The approach is based on an archaeologist’s view of landscape, both as material culture and the “supreme human artefact”. Therefore, HLC treats landscape as a perception of environment. It is focussed on: • Time (time depth) • Human agency • Change HLC in general aims to identify, describe and map the main historic influences which have formed and defined the present day landscape and provide tools which are readily understandable by the non-specialist and useable in a variety of land management contexts. The principal products of an HLC exercise are typically a series of GIS-based data sets and a supporting report which details, describes and analyses the results. The overall product helps to develop tools for practical input into landscape management decisions at a local level includ- ing, if appropriate, further supplementary planning guidance. The overall outcome should be a heightened understanding and appreciation of the historic landscape across the community and in all aspects of planning and land management (Clark, Darlington, Fairclough 2004, 5-20). HLCs differ in important ways from traditional methods for describing the historic resource such as inventories of archaeological sites 1 . However, like them, HLC can be used to inform both landscape management and research (Turner 2006, 1). The potential uses of HLC are numerous: • Landscape Characterisation - provision of historical depth to support and complement the Landscape Characterisation. • Land Use Planning – especially informing strategic planning, contributing to supplemen tary planning guidance and providing a context for archaeological development control advice. • Conservation - particularly in relation to the Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. • Public Outreach – Online access to the HLC can be an important component towards engaging local communities in conser vation projects. • Research – HLC helps stimulate research into the historic landscapes. Most importantly, HLC as a part of a wider interdiscipli- nary landscape study contributes an archaeologist’s per- spective (only part of landscape) to be combined with other disciplines’ perceptions, such as those of landscape ecologists, geographers, landscape architects, historians or anthropologist. Also, it considers the non- expert perceptions, often through community consulta- tions, that make landscape such a powerful common heritage. The understanding gained from HLC analysis can be used in many different ways. Most simply, it can add knowledge of landscape to traditional environmental records in order to assist with informed decision-mak- ing. It can also be used to identify weaknesses in exist- ing knowledge, to define future research needs, or as a benchmark against which to measure change in the landscape and change in our knowledge and perception of it. HLC also offers closer links to public awareness. The landscape is often more emotionally and intellectu- ally accessible to the public than other types of natural or cultural heritage. Landscape (not ecology or archae- ology) is usually what people see, imagine or under- stand when they contemplate the environment (Fairclough 2002b, 58-59). HLC and the Archaeologist HLC is a form of landscape archaeology practiced for 1 E.g. Historic Environment Records (HER; http://www.heritage- gateway.org.uk/Gateway/CHR) in England and Register nepremične kulturne dediščine (http://giskd.situla.org) and ARKAS (http://gis.zrc- sazu.si/zrcgis) in Slovenia. Keleher Stular1:master test 3+1 2.12.2009 20:28 Page 126 127 Arheo 26, 2009, 125-139 understanding and representing landscapes with partic- ular reference to their historical development (McNab, Lambrick 1999, 54). It is often mistaken for landscape history from which it differs both method and sources, though. Both disciplines are valid interpretation of their own data. History studies the past of landscape mostly through a documentary study of related maps and docu- ments. Archaeology studies the past more directly, through material remains in the present. In the case of landscape, it is the landscape itself and the environment beneath that are its main sources, even if sometimes they are studied through the proxy of maps and docu- ments. Historians discover meaning in documents; archaeologists attribute meaning to material culture as well as using it as document. The two disciplines may as a result produce different stories, but in their different ways both are valid interpretations of their own data (Fairclough 2008, 408-410). An area’s character, be it rural or urban, can be appreci- ated further through an understanding of its archaeolog- ical/historical development, whilst tangible archaeolog- ical/historical remains such as historic buildings, earth- works or buried archaeological deposits “often con- tribute directly to the sense of place evident in the pres- ent-day area” (English Heritage 2006, 12). The archae- ologist now has a considerable “toolkit” on which it can call on to assist it in characterising historic landscapes. Today’s archaeologists are particularly versed in utilis- ing GIS 2 to assist in their understanding and interpreta- tion of specific sites and landscapes. The archaeologist is adept in assessing and recording past and present land use. Archaeologists have a proven track record of pro- ducing high quality, well researched, and ultimately useful archaeological desk-based assessments of poten- tial and known archaeological/historic sites and land- scapes to inform the planning process. The archaeologist is also well versed in procuring oral narratives and in interacting and engaging with local communities through outreach activities. In addition to this, the continuing development of the archaeology of buildings as a significant specialism within the wider archaeological discipline means that both the above and below ground character of an area can be accurately assessed by the same person or organisation, providing a continuity of understanding The involvement of archaeologists in planning, managing and executing HLC studies will and is proving advantageous for a growing and maturing profession in expanding its field of activity, especially into an area that will embed archaeologists more firmly into society (Fairclough 2002c, 33). Urban Historic Landscape Characterisation The methods and uses of HLC are not confined exclu- sively to rural landscapes; recently HLC has been increasingly used to help understand (often intricately complex) urban landscapes. Landscape Character Assessment and urban characterisation are both con- cerned with gaining an understanding of all landscapes, not just those areas that are considered to be particular- ly valued or historic. Both approaches clearly separate the relatively value-free process of characterisation from the subsequent judgement-making based on an understanding of character. Both techniques integrate the diverse views of stakeholders and the knowledge of specialists to provide information about sense of place and help plan positive change in the landscape. Taking this one step further, we can say that all Historic Landscape Characterisations, whether urban or rural have a number of common objectives: Firstly, they “define context or place in the sense of how buildings and monuments relate to each other and to other aspects of the historic and natural environment” (Grenville and Fairclough 2004, 3). Secondly, they strive to “understand the past, the trajectory of change and/or continuity, which has brought the environment to the stage we have inherited and which provides the springboard for future change” (ibid). Thirdly, they “provide a big picture, which can serve as a base for future inclusivity, a frame into which others can add their perceptions and views” (ibid). In essence, UHLC studies like any other HLC are an exercise in understanding the continuities and changes 2 A recent HLC of Fort Hood military base in Texas, USA by a team of archaeologists from the Institute of Archaeology and Antiquity, University of Birmingham in collaboration with the Fort Hood Cultural Resource Management Team (Dingwall and Gaffney 2007) is an excel- lent example of how this archaeological “toolkit” and expertise was used to produce an extremely useable and useful HLC. This character- isation project, which included elements of desk-based research and ground truthing, and interrogation of satellite imagery and aerial pho- tography, relied heavily on GIS to define base landscape polygons and polygon attribute-based classification which formed the basis and struc- ture of the HLC. Keleher Stular1:master test 3+1 2.12.2009 20:28 Page 127 128 Urban Historic Landscape Characterisation in Practice: Oldbury Town Centre Case Study that have contributed to the present day character of an urban area, and how this understanding is used to pro- tect the historic character and promote sympathetic future change. As noted above, until relatively recently HLC studies in the UK were almost exclusively carried out in largely rural areas and were primarily concerned with rural land use, types of field systems, and the attributing of signif- icance in a rural setting. Notable examples include HLC programmes in Lancashire (Darlington 2002), and Hampshire (Fairclough, Lambrick & Hopkins 2002). UHLC studies aim to understand and define the spatial grain and special interest (if any) of an urban area. They attempt to gain a thorough understanding of the area through a detailed appraisal of its character using a diverse array of techniques and skills, and by looking at the characteristics of the urban form such as current and past land use, archaeological and historic sites, density and types of buildings, social and economic back- ground, and negative features which may detract from the special character. In this sense, “undertaking a thor- ough, comprehensive character appraisal involves a range of skills, including social and economic analysis and particularly some expertise in architectural history, urban design and archaeology” (English Heritage 2006, 7). Therefore, the most effective and best UHLC stud- ies involve multidisciplinary teams with an understand- ing of, and, expertise in a number of areas such as his- toric town planning analysis, archaeology, and architec- tural history (skills often now considered to be part of today’s archaeologists’ toolkit). Historic town planning analysis and archaeological assessment is essential for gaining an understanding of the morphological, prehis- toric and historic development of the urban area, whilst an understanding of the architectural development of the area is essential for assessing and appraising its character. In the UK, UHLC studies have manifested themselves in a number of ways. Perhaps the most high profile of these is a large programme known as Extensive Urban Studies (EUS), which has been carried out over the past ten years (see Thomas 2004). This programme, which is sponsored by English Heritage, has contributed in defining the character of over 600 small towns in England, including the larger cities of Bath, Worcester, Lincoln and Bristol. The characterisation techniques and philosophies used in these studies are based on those developed for rural historic landscape characteri- sation, and on concepts established for the assessment of conservation area appraisals and in strategies devel- oped for the assessment of urban archaeology. The Oldbury Town Centre Character Appraisal The Oldbury Town Centre Character Appraisal, which we are using as an example to illustrate an UHLC in practice, forms part of one of these conservation area appraisals. This project was multidisciplinary in approach involving a team with experience in a number of areas including historic town plan analysis, archaeol- ogy, planning, geographic information systems (GIS), local history, architectural history and historic building conservation. It is an excellent example of how the understanding of the historic and present character of a place using historic landscape characterisation tech- niques contributes to decisions on its future. In March 2008 Birmingham Archaeology was commissioned by Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council to carry out a comprehensive historic landscape characterisation of Oldbury Town Centre (Birmingham Archaeology Heritage Services 2008). Oldbury is a Black Country 3 town located c.8 kilometres north-west of Birmingham city centre. It forms part of Sandwell Metropolitan Borough, and has a town centre population of around 11,000. The Historic landscape characterisation of Oldbury Town Centre formed part of an objective appraisal of Church Square Conservation Area, which was originally designated as a conservation area in 1974. In the UK, a conservation area is defined “as an area of special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance” (English Heritage 2006, 5). Current UK planning regulations state that all Local Planning Authorities have a statutory duty to review their conservation areas in order to take account of changes in the area and greater knowledge of its build- ings and history. In Sandwell, allied to this, there was already an aware- 3 The Black Country is a loosely defined area of the West Midlands conurbation consisting of the three Metropolitan Boroughs of Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and the City of Wolverhampton. It is popularly believed that the area received its name due to the pollution from the heavy industries which characterised the region during the Industrial Revolution. Keleher Stular1:master test 3+1 2.12.2009 20:28 Page 128 129 Arheo 26, 2009, 125-139 ness that the historic character and interest of Oldbury Town Centre stretched beyond the boundary of the present conservation area, which essentially consisted of a relatively small area centred around the historic Christ Church, which was constructed in 1840. Therefore, the primary aim of this study was to consid- er whether the original conservation area boundary should be altered to include a greater part of the town. In order to do this a study area was selected much wider than the present conservation area boundary to help gain an understanding of the historic and architectural impor- tance, significance and character of the wider town. Oldbury as it stands today is very much a post-medieval town. Despite this, the earliest documentary evidence for Oldbury as a settlement dates from the 12 th century AD, whilst an examination of the place name Oldbury suggests that the settlement was perhaps Anglo Saxon in origin (Mills 2003, 263). In addition to this, there are theories that Oldbury was located adjacent to an Iron Age fort and that it was possibly the site of a Roman camp or station (Thompson 1939, 4). However, no archaeological evidence has been uncovered to support either claim. Cartographic representations depict that Oldbury was, until the late 18 th century, a small settlement situated around the present central crossroads, located on a low hill above surrounding agricultural land. Town plan analysis (Birmingham Archaeology 2008), which noted the absence of densely packed and intercut features, along with the probable presence of extensive garden areas in the centre of Oldbury in both the medieval and early post-medieval period, infers that pre-industrial Oldbury was at most a small settlement of village size. From the late 18 th century Oldbury rapidly changed from being a predominantly agricultural to a mainly industrial economy and settlement. The town’s location in the midst of a district abounding in iron, coal and limestone, and its close proximity to Birmingham and the wider Black Country, meant that it was well situated to profit from the Industrial Revolution which was being fuelled by the nearby south Staffordshire and east Worcestershire coalfields. In 1767 an Act of Parliament authorised the cutting of a canal through Oldbury, which connected Birmingham with a number of collieries in the Black Country (Thompson 1939, 17). This served to shape and constrain the fortunes, morphology, and development of Oldbury until the canal became redun- dant in the 1950s. Further additions to the canal system in the early 19 th century meant that Oldbury became a canal island, within which the once small rural village developed into a compact densely populated town cen- tre. The canal-side location attracted entrepreneurs and more established businesses, which with the possibility of secure employment, drew both skilled and unskilled labour from nearby towns and villages. New shops, churches, public buildings and houses were constructed on new roads which extended from the ancient Market Square, whilst industrial works were dotted along the canal. The various industries which grew up around the town included chemical works, iron foundries, corn- mills, brickworks, and maltings. By the 1840s the town had expanded to the extent that it was bursting at the seams, and its services were deemed wholly inadequate for the number of people living and working there. Oldbury continued to grow into the early 20 th century, however it failed to adapt as industries died out or relo- cated, and the second half of the 20 th century saw a peri- od of clearance, depopulation, and economic decline. This was arrested by the construction of the first town centre hypermarket in the UK in 1979, which however saw the unfortunate demolition of the historic Town Hall; and then later by the laying out of a new civic cen- tre in the 1990s. These large recent developments have served to change and alter the form and fortunes of the town but have also prompted the need for a comprehen- sive understanding of the historic character of Oldbury prior to any future planning decisions being made. Characterising Oldbury Town Centre - A Methodology The conservation area appraisal of Oldbury Town Centre followed current English Heritage guidance on carrying out this type of study (English Heritage 2006). Assessing the character of the town centre was based on a careful analysis of the area, which was legally required to be as clear and objective as possible. The study was primarily a desk-based exercise; however, it did also include elements of on-site analysis and ground truthing, which included a photographic survey of the entire area and an audit of heritage assets. In addition to this, an important element of a conservation area Keleher Stular1:master test 3+1 2.12.2009 20:28 Page 129 130 Urban Historic Landscape Characterisation in Practice: Oldbury Town Centre Case Study appraisal is taking account of the values attached to the area by the local community; this was addressed by a series of public consultations carried out before and dur- ing the appraisal process. Whilst the community ele- ment of this study was time-consuming and at times dif- ficult, it did serve to help better understand the strong connection between the people of Oldbury and their heritage. Initially, the most important factor was to define the boundary of the study area. This boundary was identi- fied following consultation with the local authority, and was drawn widely to encompass the vast majority of the town centre. Once agreed upon the boundary was inputted into a GIS. Where possible and appropriate, relevant information and research was inputted into the GIS for ease of revision and analysis. The historic landscape characterisation of Oldbury Town Centre followed a clear methodology which can be broken down into three specific types of analysis which cumulatively contributed the overall assessment of character; Historical and Archaeological Analysis, Spatial Analysis, and Character Analysis. Historical and Archaeological Analysis A comprehensive desk-based analysis was carried out in order to gain a clear understanding of the historic devel- opment, character and special interest of the study area. This involved extensive documentary research into the origins and historic development of Oldbury Town Centre, particularly with a view to understanding the historic elements and aspects which determined the form of the town as it is today. To further aid this assess- ment, historic map analysis and regression was utilised. Using the GIS to compare successive historic maps, ranging from 1675 to the present day, we were able to gain an excellent understanding of the urban morpholo- gy and development of Oldbury Town Centre from when it was a small insignificant rural village up to the present day where it has assumed the status of a civic and commercial hub. To further aid our understanding of the historical devel- opment of the study area the Sandwell Historic Environment Record (HER) 4 was consulted, this provid- ed information on any known archaeological or histori- cally important sites in or in the vicinity of the study area. It was found that a number of archaeological inter- ventions had been carried out in Oldbury Town Centre in the past, uncovering archaeological material dating back to the 14 th century AD. In addition to providing information on archaeological sites the Historic Environment Record (HER) provided information on both listed 5 and unlisted buildings within the study area which proved invaluable in assessing significance and defining the special character of the place. Archaeological data thus provided hard data to support regression analysis of historical maps “pushing” our understanding further in the history. Spatial Analysis Spatial Analysis was used to examine the character and interrelationship of spaces within the study area, and also to identify key views and vistas. A number of open spaces were identified within the research area; these included the recently laid out Civic Square, the 19 th cen- tury Church Square, the former line of the canal, and a number of town centre carparks. Each of these was assessed for their importance in contributing to the char- acter of the townscape. For example the Civic Square was seen as providing an attractive and open area with- in the town centre, where a regular open air market has rekindled a lost tradition in Oldbury for external shop- ping areas which stretched back to medieval times. The Civic Square was also seen as an excellent framing point for a number of historic civic buildings located in this area of the town centre, thus creating an attractive and historically evocative civic enclave. Conversely the former line of the canal was seen to have a negative impact on the character of the study area. Once the provider of growth and wealth, the former canal has become a very neglected, underused, and underappreci- ated public space. The built up nature of the study area and the rigid linear- 4 The Sandwell Historic Environment Record (HER) previously known as Sites and Monuments Record (SMR) is a record of elements of Sandwell’s historic and archaeological environment. It consists of information about the Borough’s listed buildings and archaeological sites recorded on both a computer database and a collection of maps. This valuable resource is replicated in local authorities throughout the UK. 5 A listed building in the UK is a building or other structure officially designated as being of special architectural, historical or cultural impor- tance. Keleher Stular1:master test 3+1 2.12.2009 20:28 Page 130 131 Arheo 26, 2009, 125-139 ity of many of its streets, means that it is quite difficult to gain a suitable vantage point to appreciate the inter- esting and diverse historic architecture on display. Despite this, a number of key views and vistas were identified, most of which frame interesting or important buildings or monuments in the study area. These includ- ed views of the war memorial and former public library along Birmingham Street, views of Christ Church from a number of vantage points, and views of the nearby hills to the south-west, which provide a reminder of the once largely rural setting that Oldbury was situated. This identification of these open spaces essentially pro- vided another layer in our understanding of the special character of the place. Character Analysis The increased understanding of the historic urban land- scape of Oldbury Town Centre which was achieved by the walkover study, historic and archaeological research and spatial analysis was used to divide the town centre into discernible character areas or zones. In Oldbury the town was divided up into seven distinct character zones. Zone A comprised the current Church Square Conservation Area, which included the mid 19 th century Christ Church, which is surrounded by an attractive and interesting mix of historic residential and retail build- ings. Zones B and C were formed by Upper and Lower Birmingham Street; a street containing an interesting mix of 19 th century commercial and residential buildings intersected by Church Square. The spine of Zone D was formed by Church Street and the new Civic Square. This zone is characterised by a number of fine historic civic and religious buildings including The Big House; which is an early 18 th century domestic residence, an early 19 th century Court House and a mid 19 th century Methodist Church. Zone E covers much of the central part of the study area; bounded by the former canal to the east, this area has endured much clearance and regeneration in recent years. Despite the fact that this zone historically formed the industrial core of the town, very little of historic interest remains. Bounded by the canal to the west and the river Tame to the east Zone F was almost completely characterised by late 19 th and early 20 th century residential development. Assessment Criteria Once each zone was identified the significance and spe- cial interest of each was then evaluated under a number of criteria. These criteria included: 1. Activity within the Area and its Influences. This involved assessing the grain and form of the layout of each character zone in order to gain an understanding of the way the area developed and functioned over time. For example, in Oldbury Zone D historically formed the civic centre of the town, which is a role it continues to have in the present day. 2. Architectural and Historic Qualities of the Buildings. This provided a general idea of the dominant architec- tural styles and prevalent types of building within the study area. In Oldbury the majority of important historic buildings were 19 th century in date, these were of vari- ous architectural styles, with the prevailing types being domestic, church, commercial, and civic architecture. 3. The Contribution of Key Unlisted Buildings. A number of unlisted buildings which made an impor- tant contribution to the character of each character zone were identified and highlighted. In Oldbury it is hoped that these will form part of a future local list of impor- tant structures not deemed significant enough for inclu- sion on the statutory list of buildings. 4. Local, Prevalent and Traditional Building Materials. Local, prevalent and traditional building materials utilised within the study area were identified and recorded. The extent to which these contributed to the historic character was assessed, and their use in differ- ent types and styles of architecture noted. In Oldbury the prevalent building material was red brick which was augmented by various other materials such as blue brick, yellow brick, terracotta, stucco, stone, and mould- ed brickwork. Keleher Stular1:master test 3+1 2.12.2009 20:28 Page 131 132 Urban Historic Landscape Characterisation in Practice: Oldbury Town Centre Case Study 5. Audit of Heritage Assets. This involved identifying and recording the condition of all of the historic buildings and structures within the study area; this information was tabulated and then plot- ted on the GIS. In Oldbury there were a total of 58 his- toric structures, of which 18 were listed. 6. Contribution made by Greenery and Green Spaces. The contribution made by greenery and green spaces to the overall character of the study area was also assessed. In Oldbury five green areas were identified and assessed, these included the graveyard surrounding Christ Church, a school playing field, a former burial ground, and the former line of the canal. 7. Negative Factors. In addition to factors which add to the special character of the study area, the appraisal also identified elements which detract from this special character. In Oldbury these negative factors included graffiti, fly-tipping and the unsympathetic use of plastic and fluorescent busi- ness signage and shop frontages on historic buildings. Results, Dissemination, Feedback and Conclusions The understanding gained by the comprehensive UHLC of Oldbury Town Centre was used to define a wider Conservation Area Boundary. This revised area was drawn widely in order to give the special character of Oldbury’s Town Centre protection against future unsympathetic development. The new area included the historic core of Oldbury’s town centre, and the neglect- ed line of the old canal, which will hopefully benefit and become an important public amenity due to its new sta- tus and protection. All of the information collected during the characterisa- tion process was collated into an accessible and visual- ly interesting draft report which was deposited at the local library, the council offices, and at various locations around the town for public consultation. It was also posted on the council website. In addition, all landown- ers affected by the proposed changes to the conservation area were hand delivered letters outlining the proposed changes and what these meant to them. At the end of the consultation period a public meeting was held where the inhabitants of Oldbury could further examine the pro- posed changes, and outline any objections or concerns that they had. At the same time Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council examined the draft report and had an opportunity to make any comments or recommend changes. In the case of Oldbury Town Centre neither the council nor the local inhabitants expressed any concerns with the proposed changes to the conservation area. The appraisal was approved, became a statutory legal docu- ment, and now forms part of the Local Development Framework, which regulates future proposed develop- ment and planning control in the town. This ease of integration of the draft document into the planning system can be attributed to two main factors: 1. The comprehensive understanding of the historic and present character of Oldbury Town Centre which was gained by employing the techniques developed for his- toric landscape characterisation; 2. The consultation with members of the public before and during the characterisation process, which meant that from the beginning of the process there was an ele- ment of public participation, understanding, and “own- ership” in the proposals for the area. This ensured that any issues or concerns were raised at an early stage, and that a better understanding of what the public valued and deemed significant about their area was gained. The Oldbury UHLC was successful because it was based upon an in-depth and comprehensive understand- ing of the historic development of the study area com- bined with an appreciation of the present-day issues that the Oldbury Town Centre faces. The methodology utilised was based upon methods honed and developed over a number of years for rural historic landscape char- acterisation studies, concepts established for the assess- ment of conservation area appraisals, and in strategies developed for the assessment of urban archaeology. In addition to methods and methodologies, the Oldbury UHLC was also based upon and ultimately inspired by the prescribed philosophies/principles for HLC defined by the “European Pathways to the Cultural Landscape” (EU Culture 2000 network, see Aldred and Fairclough 2003, 21 for more details). The Oldbury study con- cerned itself with understanding the past development of the town in order to assist in decision making in the present day, in this sense it examined the “landscape as history not geography” by analysing how the historical Keleher Stular1:master test 3+1 2.12.2009 20:28 Page 132 133 Arheo 26, 2009, 125-139 development of the area contributed to the present day morphology of the town and more specifically the pres- ent day issues presenting themselves to those charged with managing the cultural heritage and future develop- ment of the town. The study examined the landscape as a whole rather than focussing on specific sites, this holistic approach assisted in defining areas of special interest and conversely areas of less interest or of nega- tive or neutral value from an aesthetic and cultural her- itage point of view. The study did not just concern itself with heritage or archaeological features, it also assessed the impact that green areas and open spaces had on the overall character of this urban landscape, it was noted that the present condition of such areas/spaces had both positive and detrimental affects on the special character of the area. Ultimately the Oldbury UHLC was a suc- cess because it involved the local populace at a number of stages. This, in effect, gave the townsfolk of Oldbury an important involvement in the characterisation process and a sense of “ownership” of the final docu- ment and recommendations. Involving peoples’ views provided a highly valuable understanding of the public “non expert” perception of what was significant or of less importance to those who live, work and play in Oldbury Town Centre and its surrounds. This public perception, combined with the understanding of the his- toric development and present day issues, was highly important in interpreting the significance of the land- scape, and was invaluable in defining the revised con- servation area boundary which will hopefully aid the sympathetic management of change and development within the town centre for the foreseeable future. Keleher Stular1:master test 3+1 2.12.2009 20:28 Page 133 134 Urban Historic Landscape Characterisation in Practice: Oldbury Town Centre Case Study Historični značaj urbane krajine v praksi: primer zgodovinskega središča mesta Oldbury (Povzetek) Vrednotenje krajine ima v Veliki Britaniji metodološke korenine v 1940-tih in 1950-tih letih, pospešeno pa se je razvijalo od 1980-tih let dalje. Predvsem v 1990-tih se je močno povečalo zanimanje za široko, generalizirano razumevanje in vrednotenje karakterja in pomena oko- lja ali dediščine območja, najraje v regionalnem merilu. Metodologija, imenovana historični značaj krajine (HZK), je način prenosa teh idej v vsakdanjo prakso ohranjanja krajinske dediščine. Glavni namen HZK je, da določi, opiše in kartira osnovne historične dejavnike, ki so vplivali na krajino, kakršna je dandanes. Metode in uporabnost HZK pa ni omejena le na ruralno krajino. V zadnjem času vse pogosteje za razumevanje urbanih krajin preučujemo historični značaj urbane krajine (HZUK). V prispevku uporabo HZUK prikazujemo na primeru Študije značaja zgodovinskega središča mesta Oldbury. Študija je bila, skladno z veljavnimi navodili nacional- nega urada English Heritage, pretežno kabinetna, ven- dar je vsebovala tudi elemente analize in preverjanja rezultatov na kraju samem. Zelo pomemben del vsake študije historičnega značaja je prepoznati pomen, ki ga posameznim elementom krajine pripisuje lokalno prebi- valstvo. Upoštevanje tega smo v študiji dosegli z vrsto javnih posvetov pred in med izvedbo študije. Kot rezultat študije smo mestno središče razdelili na sedem področij (A-E), pri čemer smo uporabili nasled- nje kriterije: • obstoječe dejavnosti in njihov vpliv, • arhitekturno in historično vrednotenje posameznih stavb, • prispevek najpomembnejših stavb, ki niso kulturni someniki, • lokalni, prevladujoči in tradicionalni gradbeni materiali, • revizija kulturnih spomenikov, • vpliv zelenic in drugih zelenih površin, • negativni dejavniki. Kot rezultat te študije precej bolje razumemo historični značaj zgodovinskega središča mesta Oldbury. Na pod- lagi tega smo lahko razširili varovano območje zgodo- vinskega središča in s tem omogočili zaščito pred neza- želenimi posegi. Keleher Stular1:master test 3+1 2.12.2009 20:28 Page 134 135 Arheo 26, 2009, 125-139 Figures Figure 4. Oldbury in 1890. Slika 4. Oldbury leta 1890. Figure 2. Research Area. Slika 2. Območje študije. Figure 3. Oldbury in 1845. Slika 3.Oldbury leta 1845. Figure 1. Location Map. Slika 1. Zemljevid območja. Keleher Stular1:master test 3+1 2.12.2009 20:28 Page 135 136 Urban Historic Landscape Characterisation in Practice: Oldbury Town Centre Case Study Figure 5. Flowchart of Urban Historic Landscape Characterisation in Practice. Slika 5. Postopkovni diagram izvedbe študije historičnega značaja urbane krajine. Figure 7. Listed Buildings and Known Archaeology in the Research Area. Slika 7. Registrirana stavbna dediščina na študijskem območju. Figure 6. HER sites within the Research Area. Slika 6. Registrirana kulturna dediščina na študijskem območju. Figure 8. Key Views and Vistas within the Research Area. Slika 8. Ključni pogledi in razgledi na študijskem območju. Keleher Stular1:master test 3+1 2.12.2009 20:28 Page 136 137 Arheo 26, 2009, 125-139 Figure 9. Character Zones within the Research Area. Slika 9. Področja z različnim historičnim značajem na študi- jskem območju Figure 10. Audit of Heritage Assets. Slika 10. Revizija kulturnih spomenikov. Figure 11. Greenery and Green Spaces within the Research Area. Slika 11. Zelenice in zelene površine na študijskem območju. Figure 12. Revised Boundary of Oldbury Conservation Area. Slika 12. Spremenjeno varovano območje zgodovinskega središča mesta Oldbury. Keleher Stular1:master test 3+1 2.12.2009 20:28 Page 137 138 Urban Historic Landscape Characterisation in Practice: Oldbury Town Centre Case Study References ALDRED, O., G.J. FAIRCLOUGH 2003, Historic Landscape Characterisation: Taking Stock of the Method. - London (http://www.englishheritage.org.uk/ upload/pdf/hlc_2_titlepagecontents.pdf?1252587659; accessed 9.11.2009). Birmingham Archaeology Heritage Services 2008, Character Appraisal Study and Boundary Review of the Church Square, Oldbury Conservation Area. - Birmingham (www.laws.sandwell. gov.uk/ccm/cms- service/download/asset/?asset_id=738860; accessed 9.11.2009). CLARK, J., J. DARLINGTON, G.J. FAIRCLOUGH 2004, Using Historic Landscape Characterisation. 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