ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the role of the cultural historical factor (CHF) in spatial planning, particularly within the context of the process of globalization and with respect to the necessity to preserve the cultural identity of cities and regions. Methodologically, there is a great need for new planning instruments, particularly ones that will protect the CHF and use it as a starting point for new developments. In planning practice, new plans and policy instruments are available which consider the importance of the CHF. The following new instruments have been implemented in the Netherlands: image plan, cultural historical review, cultural historical major structure, and cultural historical impact assessment (CHIA). The CHIA gives a concrete description of the cultural historical values in a specific area, and that are at stake in an intended spatial action. The description is based on an extensive inventory of values which refers to scientific disciplines such as archaeology, historical geography and architecture.
