Government begins case to look again at Stonehenge tunnel scheme
Transport Secretary must 're-determine' decision for A303 project
Last updated 30th Nov 2021
The developmental consent for the Stonehenge tunnel scheme was quashed in July after a High Court ruled the Transport Secretary's decision to give the green light was 'unlawful' on two grounds.
Mr Justice Holgate said Grant Shapps had not properly assessed the risk of harm to each heritage asset within the World Heritage Site, he also said he had failed to consider alternative schemes.
Mr Shapps now has to 're-determine' his decision with that process now underway.
A statement of matters published by the Department of Transport today sets out the procedure and next steps.
National Highways, formerly Highways England, has been invited to put forward its case for the controversial £1.7bn scheme with any updates.
Particular attention will be paid to whether a longer tunnel would be a viable alternative, currently the plans are for a 2 mile one.
Further assessment of the impact of the scheme on the Government’s carbon budgets and climate change targets is also sought.
National Highways have welcomed the move:
"We’re pleased the Secretary of State for Transport has today published what’s known as the Statement of Matters, which is a critical step forward in helping him look again at the A303 Stonehenge scheme consent.
This now gives National Highways a much clearer picture of the way forward. We will be working hard to provide the information the Secretary of State has requested, including the information on carbon and climate change.
We remain confident the scheme is the best solution to solving the traffic problems along this notoriously congested section of the A303 and to remove the sight and the sound of the traffic from the Stonehenge landscape and the World Heritage Site."