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Kent's geographical position, in the extreme south-east of
England and in close proximity to the European mainland, has played
a key part in determining its history.
This position has helped produce a great variety of
archaeological remains, ranging from some of England's oldest human
remains from Swanscombe (c. 400,000 years old), to the county's
extensive 20th century military sites.
Kent's historic buildings are valued and often beautiful
features both in our urban landscapes and in the countryside.
The countryside itself is historic, and the use that people have
made of it is still visible, for example in the shapes of the
fields, trackways and woodlands.
For hundreds of thousands of years people have been leaving
traces of their lives above and below ground in Kent.
These archaeological sites, landscapes and historic buildings
constitute the heritage of Kent and have an important role to play
in our modern life.
They show how Kent's towns, villages and countryside have
developed and provide anchor points in the past for modern
communities.
What does the council's heritage conservation team do?
Kent's heritage is under constant threat. The immense pressure
of development in the county means that it is essential to be
vigilant to ensure our past is not thrown away in the rush to the
future.
Kent County Council has a particular role to play in conserving
and protecting Kent's historic remains to ensure that new
development is sympathetic to Kent's past.
To do this, we input into development plans and planning policy;
we advise Kent's 12 district councils and Medway Unitary Authority
on the likely impact of development proposals on archaeological
sites, historic buildings and landscapes.
We also provide advice where Kent County Council is the planning
authority (for example on minerals or some road developments).
Although district councils deal with most listed building
applications, Kent County Council maintains and conserves its own
historic buildings such as schools and our eight windmills.
We also manage archaeological projects, maintain heritage
records, in particular the sites and monuments record, provide
advice on portable antiquities and carry out outreach and
educational work. |