Historic Environment Development and planning fees

Written Scheme of Investigation

A Written Scheme of Investigation (WSI) sets out how archaeological work will be carried out on a development site.

Standard WSI validation

We do not charge for validating a WSI if it:

  • is submitted at least 10 calendar days before site work starts
  • gives us enough time to review and confirm the proposed mitigation

To avoid delays, send WSIs directly to: archaeology@highland.gov.uk

Do not upload WSIs to the ePlanning file unless necessary.

Late WSI submission fees

If you submit a WSI less than 10 calendar days before site work starts, the following fees apply:

Development type

Fee (excluding VAT)

Householder

£332

Local-scale development (1–49 houses or equivalent)

£500

Major, national or EIA development
Electricity Act developments (S36 and S37)

£830

Priority WSI approval

If you need urgent approval but your site work is not starting within 10 days, you can request a priority service.

The fees are the same as for late submission.

Page last modified: 1 April 2026