Why is there an Historic Environment Record?

The record that is now known as the Historic Environment Record (HER) began in the 1970s as the Sites and Monuments Record (SMR). Similar SMRs were developed across Britain at around this time, in response to increasing levels of development which threatened to and did destroy many historic buildings, sites and monuments.

The HER plays a vital part in the planning process, helping to inform decisions made by local authorities on proposed development. In Wales, specialist advice on the historic environment is provided by Development Control Archaeologists based at the Welsh Archaeological Trusts.