The Department for Transport has given the green light to a controversial proposal for a new two-mile road tunnel that will run close to the Stonehenge world heritage site.
The decision comes following a warning from the Planning Inspectorate of "permanent, irreversible harm" if the project were to go ahead and has provoked furore from wildlife and heritage-preservation campaigners.
The £2.4bn dual-carriageway tunnel will take the A303 trunk road - which currently passes close by the prehistoric monument - between the Wiltshire towns of Amesbury and Berwick Down.
It's hoped that the development will cut journey times in the region, given the current single-track section of road is prone to lengthy delays. Construction is due to begin by 2023 and expected to last for five years.
The project is the source of much consternation because of fears it could compromise the integrity of the national landmark.
The Stonehenge Alliance said that it "deeply regrets" transport secretary Grant Shapps' approval of the project and will continue with its efforts to prevent the work starting.
The campaign group added: "It will breach the UK’s international treaty obligation (World Heritage Convention 1972) not to damage the world heritage site and the UK’s legal commitment to address climate change."
But Highways England, which oversees road infrastructure development across the country, said: "We’re really pleased that we’ve been given the go-ahead to make the much-needed improvements to the A303 past Stonehenge a reality.
"It’s an important step in finally sorting out a road that doesn’t work for drivers, for people who live, work and holiday in Wiltshire and the south-west."
The body claims to have appointed a number of archaeological specialists who will "work to record and preserve any archaeological finds".
Campaigners are especially concerned about the potential impact of the building on a series of historic shafts that were recently discovered in the vicinity of Stonehenge, but Highways England said the new road will be at least 500 metres away from these.
The decision deadline for a secondary phase of the project - which would widen the road to two lanes in each direction between the Podimore and Sparkford bypasses - has been pushed back for a second time to 29 January 2021.
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By the way, the Planning
By the way, the Planning Inspectorate recommended that this project he refused but they were over ruled by Grant Shapps, a proven liar. But of course we've all had enough of experts these days haven't we?
Unbelievable!
Just what do these stone huggers want, You would think they would be pleased, but no, they will try to slow-up the process again!
I understand Stonehenge is one of the top tourist destinations in the UK, but honestly, its not all that once you get there. Cant even walk amongst the stones anymore. Avebury ring is more impressive or Grimes Graves in East Anglia.
The site is already badly compromised by all the traffic grinding past at a snails pace creating noise and pollution. The tunnel will alleviate that and keep the traffic moving - (IF the powers that be can get their fingers out and agree the other single carriageway upgrades, otherwise you just move the traffic jam a few miles down the road.)
I thought they wanted it to become 'peacful and serene....
The 303 is a national disgrace. Successive governments have failed the South of England time and time again....I mean who signed off the Yeovil by-pass as single lane with a russian roulette middle suicide lane....... The cost of correcting this now will be horrendous (plus the chaos it willl cause - again! ) Instead of doing the job properly in the first place. It is time to put a stop to a bunch of weird beards who will never be happy until we 'un-invent the wheel', and start thinking more about the millions of travellers whose business trps or holidays are blighted by a ridiculous 'country lane' main artierial road.
So what if a few old bones are disturbed....think about the West Country tourist trade and hopefully the move back to UK holidays rather than climbing on board aircraft and jetting around the globe.
What these 'stone huggers'
What these 'stone huggers' want is to protect a unique world heritage site, one that is still little understood. Stonehenge has global significance, and it is likely we will never know what is destroyed by this project. Your attitude is predictable but no less depressing, symptomatic of a country that positively prides itself on ignorance these days. If you want to know why UK is losing its place in the world, look in the mirror.
@ scrap
There are many world heritage sites around the world - few with the equivalent of the A303 next door to them
A tunnel will only help the situation for everyone - they could have just duelled the existing road which would have increased the noise for a fraction of the cost of a tunnel.
The tunnel will not effect the henge, which is what everyone comes to see.....and any holes in the ground or old bones would be found over almost any route in this part of Wiltshire. You cannot save it all, and most people would rather be able to travel safely than worry about a few bones from 5000 years ago. Our country is full of them, and indeed more interesting artefacts may be found whilst building the tunnel which would never have seen the light of day otherwise.
The United Kingdom lost its place in the world in the 1920's. There is no point in worrying about our position any longer. Our Empire (like the Romans) is over.
Shapps is a prat, I agree. His position over 'Smart' motorways is deplorable, however, if you think the current situation as depicted in the photo of Stonehange with its queues of stationary cars is preferable and a positive option, rather tha traffic silently passing the site underground - you are delusional sir!
Built for?
Well, if all the criteria have been met, all the rattle throwing won't change the decision, if it's good for the area, then, it has to happen.