Trusted by UK housing developers
We are your trusted experts in delivering cost-effective, reliable and targeted archaeological services on your residential development projects.
We have over 40 years of experience helping housing developers understand and effectively manage the historic environment, handle key stakeholders and engage local communities.
Wessex Archaeology has a strong reputation for professionalism, innovation and collaboration within this industry which has been established through enduring relationships with many of the most prominent property developers and planning consultants working in the sector.
We have supported and worked with national developers and consultancies such as RPS Consulting Services, CgMs Consulting, Taylor Wimpey, Linden Homes, Willmott Dixon, Bovis Homes and Bloor Homes.
World-class expertise, delivered locally
Our expert team delivers an unparalleled and integrated suite of cutting-edge archaeological services across all environments.
With over 350 employees, we are one of the largest archaeological contractors delivering archaeological works on housing projects around the UK. Our offices are ideally situated to deliver projects at a local level across the UK.
Our professional judgement, experience and excellent relationship with local regulators and stakeholders will ensure that your housing development project progresses smoothly and safely, from start to finish.
Early engagement for better results
By engaging with archaeology at an early stage, you will gain a clear idea of the resource you own and minimise potential delays, hassle and cost.
Research conducted by Landward Research Ltd for ALGAO UK found that delays due to archaeology discovered late in the construction process increased associated costs by 3-7x.
Enabling sustainable development
We work with our clients and the planning authorities from conception of a project to ensure that any requirements relating to the historic environment is targeted, design solution led, proportionate and appropriate. Our targeted, pragmatic approach allows us to reduce duplication and reuse data, resulting in reduction in your environmental impact.
Delivering legacy and social value to your scheme
We deliver exciting activities and resources as a project legacy that enable the public to understand the value of your site and use archaeology to enhance learning into the future. We work closely with you to create a package that suits your needs and meets the learning aims of the community.
Our services
We can help you manage the historic environment at all stages of the planning process, from pre-application to post-determination phases.
Pre-consent: Understand your site
- Pre-application advice, scoping reports and desk-based assessment
- Environment Impact Assessment (EIA), Environmental Statement (ES)
- Stakeholder engagement (LPA, Statutory consultees etc.)
- Geophysical survey and analysis
- Aerial Imagery capture and review
- Evaluation and trial trenching
- Geoarchaeological assessment
- Historic building assessment
- Heritage statement
- Statutory consents (Listed Building, Scheduled Monument etc.)
- Ecology Consultancy
Post-consent: Effectively manage the historic environment
- Written Scheme of Investigations (WSI)
- Watching briefs
- Archaeological excavation
- Historic Building Recording
- Historic Landscape Survey
- Specialist analysis and interpretation
- Research and publication
Add value
- Stakeholder management
- Community engagement
- Heritage interpretation (3D and 2D visualisation, video, photography, public display)
- Geotechnical survey and analysis
- Post-consent support