A303 Stonehenge tunnel plans APPROVED

It's the news we've been waiting 30 years for - the A303 tunnel for Stonehenge WILL go ahead.

The £1.7 billion scheme has been given approval by the Transport Secretary this lunchtime (Thursday 12th November).

We were expecting an outcome by tomorrow, but it's come a little early.

The project has been granted full development consent, and will include:

• A 2 mile long tunnel that will take the A303 out of view from Stonehenge itself

• Work to improve Longbarrow and Countess roundabouts, with a flyover for the A303 at the Amesbury end

• A bypass for Winterbourne Stoke, with the road going across a viaduct over the Till Valley

The decision's been made by the Department for Transport, following a huge examination by the Planning Inspectorate.

WHY HAS IT GOT THE GO AHEAD?

In his decision letter, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps explains the reasons behind the approval.

He's said 'there is a clear need for the development and considers there are a number of benefits that weigh significantly in favour' of it .

Mr Shapps also says he's 'satisfied that reasonable mitigation has been included to minimise harm to the landscape'.

CAMPAIGNERS AGAINST THE PLANS

The plans have been at the centre of controversy for some time, with campaigners concerned about the impact the development would have on the World Heritage Site.

A petition against the tunnel and the surrounding work also gained huge amounts of support from across the world:

The Stonehenge Alliance, which is made of groups including Campaign to Protect Rural England, Friends of the Earth and the British Archaeological Trust amongst others, say they 'deeply regret' the outcome.

They've posted a statement online saying:

"It will breach the UK’s international treaty obligation not to damage the World Heritage Site, and the UK’s legal commitment to address Climate Change.

"We shall study carefully the detail of the Transport Secretary’s Decision Letter and the formal Report and recommendations of the Examiners of the road scheme, before meeting with colleagues to discuss any next steps.

"With your fantastic support we shall continue with our campaign and petition in the hope that there may still be time in which to change that decision."

GREENPEACE SAY IT'S A 'DISASTER'

The environmental charity has been responding to the news - Richard George, head of transport at Greenpeace UK, said:

"This new road tunnel will be a disaster for England's heritage and the world’s climate. The Planning Inspectorate spent months reviewing the evidence and concluded that the tunnel would trash one of our most important heritage sites and should not be built. If the government is serious about a green recovery from the pandemic it should be investing in public transport, but instead we're getting more traffic and more pollution."

HIGHWAYS ENGLAND RESPONSE

The roads body has been behind the plans, and say they 'welcome' the decision.

They've described the work around Stonehenge as 'transformational and sensitive', and claim it will 'tackle congestion on a notorious, traffic-clogged' section of the A303.

Derek Parody, Highways England Project Director for the A303 Stonehenge scheme, said:

“It is a scheme objective to conserve and enhance the World Heritage Site and this is being achieved through close collaborative working with heritage groups, including English Heritage, National Trust, Historic England and the independent A303 Scientific Committee.

“The scheme will not only sustain the Outstanding Universal Value of the WHS, it will also have a beneficial effect, and extensive archaeological studies and assessments have been undertaken to provide evidence of the benefits that the scheme will deliver for the World Heritage Site.

“The decision represents a major milestone, not only for us as the project team but for all those who have supported this project over a number of years; our stakeholders, the heritage bodies, local and regional businesses and indeed local communities.”

WILTSHIRE COUNCIL 'DELIGHTED'

The authority came out in favour of the plans early in the process, highlighting how it'll prevent rat-running in local villages and support the economy for the whole of the South West.

Cllr Bridget Wayman, Wiltshire Council Cabinet Member for Highways, said:

“We’re delighted that, after many years of planning and lobbying by our dedicated officers and members, consent has been granted for the A303 Stonehenge project.

“It represents a significant investment in Wiltshire that will boost the south-west economy, unlocking jobs and investment throughout the entire region. We now can look forward to construction beginning, and unlocking all the benefits the scheme will bring to Wiltshire and the south west.”

WHAT DOES SALISBURY'S MP THINK?

John Glen has posted on social media that he's 'absolutely delighted' with the news.

He's also pointed out that we're likely to face some disruption while the scheme's being built:

He's also said that 'once completed, visitors to Stonehenge will be able to enjoy visiting our world-famous stones against a backdrop unspoilt by traffic'.

There's also been reaction from Logistics UK, the freight transport body.

Chris Yarsley, Policy Manager for Road Infrastructure there said:

“The approval of the plans – which Logistics UK has campaigned for over several years – will enable crucial work to begin on a scheme that will reduce congestion and improve reliability and safety along this route that is so vital to residents, businesses and tourism. The current issues with the A303 have stalled economic and social growth in the region and we are excited to see how these sustainable and effective infrastructure improvements can address the problems experienced by those using the route.

“Throughout the construction process it will be vitally important to ensure the ancient heritage around the area, and specifically Stonehenge, continues to be respected and protected. In the view of Logistics UK, the creation of a tunnel – which will remove the busy road from view of the monument – will do just that.”

ENGLISH HERITAGE 'WELCOME THE NEWS'

The 'guardians' of Stonehenge say the A303 running through the World Heritage Site as it does now, is a 'barrier to people enjoying, exploring and understanding' the landscape.

They've said it's 'vital the final scheme is designed and delivered to the highest standards' but they're pleased with the outcome.

English Heritage’s Chief Executive, Kate Mavor, said:

“This is a landmark day for Stonehenge. We’ve already seen the enormous improvement brought about by removing the A344 and the old visitor facilities from beside the stones. Placing the noisy and intrusive A303 within a tunnel will reunite Stonehenge with the surrounding prehistoric landscape and help future generations to better understand and appreciate this wonder of the world.”