Prometheus Solutions - Archaeological Services
Project Consultation
We will advise and guide you through the archaeological planning process, ensuring the planning conditions are met. We can advise on whether initial work is required, as well as recommend a program of works to be followed, e.g., further heritage consultation, Written Schemes of Investigation, watching briefs or more extensive archaeological investigations. We can also facilitate advice, quotes, and services from other companies in order to fulfil the necessary requirements. This consultation and liaison may cover services such desk-based assessments, heritage statements, historic building recordings, fieldwalking, and geophysical surveys amongst other services.
Prices upon individual consultation.
Written Scheme of Investigation (WSI)
As part of the archaeological planning process, intrusive works, surveys and other recordings may be required. A WSI is a document which outlines the known and potential archaeological remains and heritage assets relevant to the development and sets out the appropriate procedures for such works. The methodology for the proposed works includes not only the direct actions dictated, but also the post-excavation and archival requirements necessary to satisfy the planning conditions. We have experience working with Local Planning Authorities to create the appropriate methodologies, and to ensure the document satisfies their conditions; making sure that it is signed off by the Local Planning Authority prior to any further works. Prometheus Solutions can provide WSIs for all types of archaeological investigations.
Prices:
- WSI with an extant up-to-date and relevant Desk-based Assessment: starting from £225.
- WSI without an extant up-to-date or relevant Desk-based Assessment: starting from £275.
- WSI for larger, more extensive developments: starting from £350
- Some Local Planning Authorities require additional work and will be quoted and priced accordingly.
Watching Briefs
Frequently placed as a condition following the initial assessment of a site’s archaeological potential (e.g. desk-based assessments, heritage statements, fieldwalking or geophysical surveys). An archaeologist will observe and record any archaeological remains during all groundworks, as set out within a WSI. We will collaborate with the Local Planning Authority and the client to develop strategies and work together to minimise delays to the development while satisfying the methodology and planning conditions.
Prices vary dependant on site requirements and location. Typically provided as a day-rate.
Evaluation
Local Planning Authorities may require an archaeological evaluation as part of the planning condition. Often, this is a recommendation aiming to clarify the extent, nature and quality of any archaeological remains prior to granting planning permission. Usually, an archaeological evaluation takes the form of machine-excavated trial pits or trial trenches, covering a minimum of 2% of the site’s area. The exact methodology is defined by a WSI in liaison with the Local Planning Authority, and any remains will be excavated and recorded sufficiently to be understood. Prometheus Solutions specialises in small evaluations and is experienced in working around heavy plant and in using Leica GPS to provide safe and efficient work.
Prices vary, depending on evaluation size, site requirements and location. Typically provided as an estimated cost, including potential post-excavation and archival needs.
Post-Excavation
Archaeological investigations can provide large quantities of finds and data which may need to be analysed further, with investigations by specialists and detailed reports part of this process. In compliance with the requirements of the Local Planning Authority and the principles and guidelines outlined by the Chartered Institute for Archaeologist (CIfA), as set out within the appropriate WSI, all works completed by Prometheus Solutions or the companies we work alongside will provide full and detailed reports to satisfy all planning conditions. In accordance with this, we will frequently collaborate with specialists across a host of specialisms. The production of appropriate archives, in both physical and digital form, are necessary to ensure the continued record of all archaeological investigations, and their deposition with a local museum and the Archaeological Data Service (ADS) are vital components to this, which Prometheus Solutions will oversee to completion.
Prices vary depending on the expected level of finds and data, and the specialists required. Prices will be provided as an estimate, as the requirements are often led and dictated by the Local Planning Authority, and as such additional costs may be incurred during the process.