The A303 Stonehenge Tunnel, aimed at improving traffic flow, has been approved, marking a pivotal step for the long-debated project.
- Transport Secretary Mark Harper granted development consent for the A303 Stonehenge Tunnel, a 12.8km dual carriageway including a 3.3km tunnel under the UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Despite past legal challenges and environmental concerns, the project approval highlights perceived benefits over potential heritage impacts.
- The decision aligns with efforts to reduce congestion and improve transport infrastructure in the South West of England.
- Environmental and heritage advocates remain critical, citing concerns over increased carbon emissions and site disturbance.
The development consent order (DCO) for the A303 Stonehenge Tunnel, a new dual carriageway designed to alleviate congestion, has been granted by Transport Secretary Mark Harper. This pivotal approval follows a tumultuous journey marked by legal hurdles and environmental debates, notably concerning the potential impact on the UNESCO World Heritage site at Stonehenge.
Initial approval was controversially granted in November 2020 by former Transport Secretary Grant Shapps, contravening the Planning Inspectorate’s recommendation. However, the High Court ruled the decision unlawful, citing the necessity for detailed carbon impact assessments. This led to a re-evaluation of the proposal, ultimately culminating in Harper’s recent endorsement.
The project involves constructing a 12.8km dual carriageway with a 3.3km tunnel beneath Stonehenge. Advocates argue this development addresses longstanding traffic issues and enhances connectivity in the region, with expectations of economic benefits to the South West.
On the other hand, the decision has not been without opposition. Critics, including environmental groups, express significant concerns. They highlight the project’s potential to increase carbon emissions by an estimated 2.5 million tonnes over its lifetime, at a time when emission reductions are critical to combating climate change.
Despite these concerns, the Department for Transport has justified the approval by considering the “need case” for the development. It concludes that the benefits, such as reduced congestion and improved journey reliability, outweigh the potential harm to the World Heritage Site’s Outstanding Universal Value (OUV).
The project’s construction responsibility falls to a joint venture named More JV, comprising FCC Construcción, WeBuild, and BeMo Tunnelling. This consortium will be supported by designers Atkins, Jacobs, and Sener.
Prominent voices in the debate remain vocal, with Rebecca Lush from Transport Action Network criticising the approval as contradictory to climate goals and damaging to the heritage site. In contrast, National Highways Chief Executive Nick Harris emphasises the project’s strategic importance, portraying it as a transformative solution for regional transport issues.
A claim for judicial review can be filed within six weeks following the decision letter’s publication, leaving the door slightly ajar for further legal challenges.
The A303 Stonehenge Tunnel moves forward amidst continuing controversy, balancing infrastructural benefits with environmental and heritage concerns.
