The paper discusses the role of cultural heritage objects in spatial planning and investment processes. It particularly presents the principles an investor should follow with regards to the area, where archaeological sites have been located. Moreover, it enumerates Polish institutions responsible for the protection of his-torical objects and their competences. The article also defines the role of spatial planning as an instrument of cultural heritage protection. Finally, it presents problems related to the protection of historical objects in the community of MichaĆowice located nearby the city of Krakow. ...