For a second time, despite facing opposition from archaeologists and heritage groups for an extended period, the UK government has approved the construction of an underground highway in the vicinity of Stonehenge. The estimated cost of the project amounts to £1.7 billion ($2.2 billion), and is expected to break ground in 2024.
The Government, through the formal granting of a Development Consent Order for the A303 Stonehenge scheme, has taken a decisive step towards alleviating congestion and revolutionizing journeys for the countless individuals utilizing the A303 between the south-east and south-west.
After getting permission in 2020, their plans went through a thorough review that lasted more than 12 months due to legal challenges and a High Court ruling that questioned how the decisions were made, leading up to the recent announcement.
Despite the strong advice from its Planning Inspectorate not to proceed, the Government’s decision to move forward with the road scheme has left the Stonehenge Alliance appalled. The alliance has been campaigning against this scheme for many years. Furthermore, UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee has condemned the current form of the project and has even threatened to add Stonehenge to the World Heritage in Danger List if it is allowed to proceed.
In September 2021, UNESCO expressed concerns about the A303 Stonehenge project due to its potential impact on the Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) of the Stonehenge, Avebury, and Associated Sites. The Stonehenge complex is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, and any development near or within its vicinity is subject to scrutiny by UNESCO to ensure the protection of its cultural and historical significance.
However, the UK government remains steadfast in highlighting the benefits of this monumental development. The government emphasizes that extensive research, consultations, and careful planning have been conducted to ensure minimal impact on the cultural and historical significance of the Stonehenge site. They believe that the project’s benefits outweigh the concerns raised by opposition groups, and that it will ultimately contribute to the betterment of both local communities and the nation’s infrastructure as a whole.
