With the historic environment an important consideration in planning applications, the potential for unexpected delays and costs needs to be addressed early on in the process. Thorough research, comprehensive negotiations with planning authorities and quality site management when needed can mitigate the risks to the project budget and programme. Prospect Archaeology Ltd. offers planning and pre-planning advice and guidance to mainly commercial developers on heritage issues. We have wide experience covering all types and periods of archaeological sites, historic buildings and landscapes and we have been involved in major greenfield, brownfield and urban regeneration schemes throughout the UK. This has comprised early advice, impact assessment, negotiation with local and national conservation bodies and the management of archaeological fieldwork and post-fieldwork assessment.