Salisbury MP shares thoughts after Stonehenge tunnel legal ruling
A High Court appeal for a judicial review was thrown out this week
Salisbury's MP has been sharing his thoughts on the A303 Stonehenge tunnel project, following the latest development in the scheme this week.
A High Court judge threw out an appeal from campaigners against the project for a judicial review.
National Highways described the decision as a 'positive step' with plans to start work on site in the next year.
John Glen has used his latest blog to set out his own opinion, saying he's had a number of emails on the subject this week, asking for his stance:
"At risk of appearing evasive, I invariably explain to them that my opinion is all but immaterial. I am neither a highways engineer nor a heritage expert.
"I have personally never been a zealot for or against a tunnel. Apart from a few keen engineers, I very much doubt that anyone is an enthusiast for tunnelling for its own sake!
"My only concern is that the right decision is reached – one that serves the interests of local people while also protecting the World Heritage Site."
Salisbury's MP continued:
"Over the years, I have listened to a lot of expert opinions on how to achieve these laudable aims.
"I have seen numerous overland proposals and cuttings rejected by the heritage community for threatening archaeological deposits or for leaving the ancient landscape still rent by a noisy polluting road.
"A variety of ‘long loop’ diversions have been set aside for failing to achieve the required economic benefit and reductions in overall journey times.
"I note the expert judgement of the National Trust and English Heritage that the proposed long deep-bore tunnel, passing beneath and to either side of sensitive archaeological deposits, is the only solution they want.
"And all along, I have listened to constituents in Shrewton and Winterbourne Stoke who told me that doing nothing to relieve their villages of the consequences of A303 delays is not an option.
"As a result, when I heard the news of the legal ruling, I wasn’t jubilant or disappointed about its implications for the tunnel scheme.
"I simply keep hoping that this latest development brings the decades-long search for a solution one step closer to a conclusion."
John Glen's also explained that the project soon won't be part of his patch - if he's re-elected during a General Election this year:
"Stonehenge will cease to be part of the Salisbury constituency at the next election, so I must leave it to others to complete this journey and see that due process is followed and the right decision reached in the end."