Government Approves Controversial Tunnel near Stonehenge
The British Government has granted approval for a controversial tunnel to be constructed near Stonehenge, the iconic 5000-year-old monolithic stone circle located in southwest England. This site is recognized as a celebrated UNESCO World Heritage Site, cherished for its historical significance. However, while authorities assure that the works can be executed safely, campaigners are expressing substantial concerns regarding the decision.
Recently, the application for the £2 billion A303 Amesbury to Berwick Down project received development consent from Secretary of State for Transport Grant Shapps. According to a statement from the Planning Inspectorate for England and Wales, this new section of dual carriageway aims to resolve issues related to the single road segment between Amesbury’s Countess roundabout and the dual carriageway west of Winterbourne Stoke.
Members of the Stonehenge Alliance, an organization dedicated to preserving the future of this significant site, have reacted with frustration. Kate Fieldon from the Stonehenge Alliance stated, “The decision is disastrous – not only because of the physical damage caused by the tunnel scheme to a World Heritage Site of global value but also due to the message it conveys about our government’s indifference toward our heritage.” Moreover, the alliance emphasizes concerns regarding potential undiscovered artifacts and sites beneath Stonehenge and asserts that the construction will irrevocably alter the landscape, including deep cuttings through prehistoric burial cemeteries and ancient settlement remains. A petition against this decision is presently circulating online.
“There has been extensive public interest in this project. A major priority for us during the examination was to ensure that communities potentially affected by this proposal had the opportunity to express their opinions. Consequently, the Examining Authority treated these concerns with care before making a final decision,” remarked Sarah Richards, Chief Executive of the Planning Inspectorate.
Conversely, English Heritage, the organization responsible for over 400 sites nationwide, including Stonehenge, has welcomed this decision. Kate Mayor, Chief Executive of English Heritage, proclaimed, “This marks a significant day for Stonehenge. We have already experienced significant improvements from removing the A344 and the previous visitor facilities adjacent to the stones. Placing the noisy A303 inside a tunnel will harmonize Stonehenge with the surrounding prehistoric landscape, enabling future generations to better understand and appreciate this wonder of the world.” English Heritage also emphasized that the final scheme must adhere to the highest standards in design and execution.
In response to the government’s decision, Richard George, head of transport at Greenpeace UK, commented, “This new road tunnel will be a disaster for both England’s heritage and the global climate. The Planning Inspectorate conducted a thorough review of the evidence and concluded that the tunnel would damage one of our most important heritage sites and should not proceed. If the government is earnest about achieving a green recovery following the pandemic, the focus should be on investing in public transport rather than increasing traffic and pollution.”
A period of six weeks now follows, during which the decision may be challenged in the British High Court.
