Plan for a tunnel near Stonehenge is allowed

CONTROVERSIAL PLANS to dig a 1.8-mile road tunnel near Stonehenge have been given the go-ahead by Transport Secretary Chris Grayling despite warning the scheme will gravely affect the world-famous monument.

Experts warned the project would compromise the “unutterably precious” archaeology of Stonehenge, but the Government’s heritage agency, Historic England, the National Trust and English Heritage, which manage the stone circle and its surrounding landscape, welcomed the announcement.

The A303 is often gridlocked near the landmark, causing frustration for holidaymakers heading to and from the South-West and disrupting visits to the site. This year’s summer holiday getaway produced severe delays with an hour added to the nearly threehour trip from west London to Exeter, according to the AA. The road is to be put into a dual carriageway tunnel with a £1.6bn upgrade by Highways England.

Mr Grayling said: “This Government is taking the big decisions for Britain’s future and this major investment in the South West will provide a huge boost for the region. Quicker journey times, reduced congestion and cleaner air will benefit people locally and unlock growth in the tourism industry.”

The tunnel will follow the existing A303 route, but the Department for Transport claims it will avoid important archaeological sites and will not intrude on the view of the setting sun during the winter solstice.

However, Time Team presenter Tony Robinson has described the scheme as “old-fashioned” as it “assumes what needs to be protected is that little clump of stones”. He said experts had begun to appreciate the area around the stone circle was a complex network of henges, pathways and barrows.