A303 Stonehenge tunnel scheme going to new appeal
A High Court judge has given permission for a legal challenge
A new High Court appeal against the A303 Stonehenge tunnel scheme will be heard, after a judge gave it the go ahead.
The Save Stonehenge World Heritage Site (SSHWS) group has been campaigning for the £3 billion project to be scrapped on environmental grounds and the 'fairness' of the decision making process.
The two mile tunnel, plus further upgrades for the route - such as a flyover for Amesbury's Countess roundabout, and a bypass for Winterbourne Stoke - have been opposed by around 238,000 who've signed a petition against the scheme.
UNESCO has also warned that the area could lose its World Heritage Site status.
John Adams, chair of the Stonehenge Alliance and one of the 3 directors of SSWHS, said:
“This is extremely good news. All those who care passionately about our cultural heritage can breathe a sigh of relief. We now have a new opportunity for the Government decision to be thoroughly scrutinised.
“This road scheme would be incredibly damaging to Stonehenge World Heritage Site. Yet, the Government doesn’t seem to care and is desperately trying to bulldoze through this decision before it is thrown out of office. It also shows how National Highways was premature in pressing ahead with its hugely disruptive A360 works.”
National Highways is currently working on the A360 north of Salisbury to install power supplies intended for the construction phase of the A303 tunnel.
The road's been shut since April and isn't due to reopen until July.
Leigh Day solicitor Rowan Smith said:
“This news is very encouraging for our client. In granting permission to appeal, the Court of Appeal acknowledged the scale of public interest around ensuring that a decision about the future of Stonehenge is lawful.
“The Court said there is a compelling reason for an appeal hearing. Our client is looking forward to presenting arguments about the fairness of the decision-making process relating to the future of Stonehenge as well as compliance with international law protecting the World Heritage Site.”
In response to the decision, A303 Stonehenge Project Director for National Highways, David Bullock, said:
“We are hugely disappointed by this decision, which will cause more delays to this scheme as the next stage of the legal process unfolds.
“However we will participate fully in any future legal proceedings to continue to present the case for the scheme, working closely with the Department for Transport.”