What is a Written Scheme of Investigation?
What is it & Why Do I Need One?
- A Written Scheme of Investigation (WSI) is an archaeological methodology document that has, over time, become an important planning document. A WSI will outline how and where archaeological works are to be undertaken. The scope of such works can vary and may be undertaken across multiple stages with separate WSI documents.
- You will often see the requirement for a WSI included within the wording of a planning condition. The scope of the work outlined in the WSI(s) must be completed in order to discharge a relevant planning condition fully. Alternatively, a WSI(s) may be required by a Local Planning Authority to outline a scope of pre-application work which would inform upon archaeological considerations prior to the submission and/or determination of a planning application.
- Whenever the requirement for a WSI appears during your application process, we would be pleased to assist you in determining a proportionate scope of work to approach the requirement. We are able to produce or procure a WSI for a range of archaeological works, including but not limited to geophysical surveys, evaluation trenching, excavation, watching brief, and historic building recording.
- The scope of the WSI must be approved by the Local Planning Authority and/or their archaeological advisor before any archaeological works can begin. We will undertake this liaison and agreement on your behalf.
- Once this agreement is in place, we will organise the archaeological works outlined within the WSI, advise upon any considerations that may be identified during those works, and assist you throughout the pre-application and condition discharge process.
