Archaeology - written scheme of investigation

A Written Scheme of Investigation (WSI) is a specification that sets out the scope of works required to understand the extent, character and significance of any archaeological remains within a planning application area.

As the WSI must be done by someone who is suitably qualified, you will need to get specialist advice. The WSI must also be approved by the Council’s Senior Archaeologist prior to any archaeological work commencing.

If this work is being carried out to discharge an archaeological condition, then the WSI must be submitted to the Planning Authority and formally approved before any development begins.

What to include

• an introduction to the programme of investigation
• background to the site (including map, detailed location plan and NGR reference), site description, site geology and any relevant site names and identifier codes (for example, planning application references)
• archaeological and historical background, including any previous archaeological work on the site or nearby.
  • This will help us understand the known or potential archaeology on the site
• research aims of the project, referring to existing research frameworks and drawing upon advice from specialists to ensure the investigation will address national, regional, and local objectives
• the programme and methodology of site investigation and recording, appropriate to the stated aims of the project.
  • it should state what techniques will be most appropriate to the site, and type of remains expected, and include details on sampling strategies for excavation features and palaeoenvironmental analysis
• arrangements for public engagement (depending on the nature, scale, and duration of the project).
  • this will vary from site to site, and should be detailed in the WSI, even if that is to state that practical or safety limitations prevent it (with justifications)
• contingency arrangements for all aspects of the project
• details of expected on-site staffing and specialists to be used for post-excavation analysis (including relevant experience and professional accreditation of the project team)
• suitable provision for archive deposition, and include an appropriate selection policy for all artefacts, ecofacts, paper and digital materials (with reference to the collecting museum requirements, CIfA Selection Toolkit and ADS policies).
  • it must include the collecting museum’s accession number and the OASIS identification number and anticipated timescale for deposition of all elements
• provision for publication and distribution of the analysis and records of the site investigation
• compliance with the requirements of the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974) and appropriate risk assessments

We don’t recommend specific archaeological contractors. Please refer to the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA), who keep a list of registered organisations providing archaeological services.