Written Scheme of Investigation

If your planning permission includes a condition requiring a Written Scheme of Investigation (WSI), there is no need for concern. This is a routine requirement imposed by Local Planning Authorities where a development site may have archaeological potential or lies within a historically significant landscape.

The first step is simple: contact AS Archaeology & Heritage Services for a free, no-obligation discussion about your project and the most effective route to discharging your archaeological planning condition.

A Written Scheme of Investigation is a formal document that sets out the scope, methodology and objectives of the archaeological work required to satisfy a planning condition. In most cases, development cannot commence until the WSI has been approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority or its archaeological advisor.

The WSI acts as the agreed framework for any archaeological investigation, ensuring that heritage requirements are addressed in a proportionate, professional and policy-compliant manner. It provides clarity for developers, planners and archaeological advisors alike, helping to minimise uncertainty and avoid unnecessary delays.

At AS Archaeology & Heritage Services, we prepare professionally written, cost-effective WSIs for a broad range of residential, commercial, agricultural and infrastructure developments. Our extensive experience enables us to produce schemes that align with local authority requirements while remaining practical and proportionate to the needs of each project.

A Written Scheme of Investigation will normally typically:

• Satisfy archaeological planning conditions
• Meet Local Planning Authority requirements
• Define the scope and methodology of archaeological works
• Set out recording, reporting and archiving procedures
• Establish any mitigation measures that may be required
• Provide a clear framework for heritage compliance
• Help reduce project risk and avoid delays during construction

We work with homeowners, developers, architects, planning consultants, landowners and construction professionals across the UK, providing clear advice and responsive support throughout the planning process.

Whether your project requires archaeological monitoring, trial trenching, excavation, building recording or another form of heritage mitigation, a well-prepared WSI is the foundation for delivering the required work efficiently and achieving planning compliance.

Once approved, the WSI provides a clear roadmap for the archaeological programme, enabling your development to progress with confidence and certainty.

Need a Written Scheme of Investigation? Contact AS Archaeology & Heritage Services today for expert advice, a competitive quotation and a no-obligation consultation.

We undertake preparation of WSIs for all archaeological and heritage planning requirements whether domestic or commercial.