In a significant development for the UK's infrastructure and heritage sectors, the High Court has dismissed a legal challenge against the £1.7 billion Stonehenge Tunnel project, paving the way for the commencement of the groundbreaking work. This decision came after Mr Justice Holgate found the majority of the objections raised by the Save Stonehenge World Heritage Site (SSWHS) group, which sought a judicial review of the project's development consent order, to be without merit.
The ruling effectively removes the hurdle of a judicial review, setting the stage for archaeological activities at the site to begin later this year, with the main construction phase expected to kick off in 2025. Although one environmental impact assessment allegation by the Department for Transport (DfT) is pending further court review, it is understood that this will not impede the project's progress.
This marks the continuation of a complex legal journey for the Stonehenge Tunnel initiative, which received initial approval in November 2020, only to have that decision overturned in July 2021. A revised proposal was subsequently approved by Transport Minister Mark Harper in the following year.
The scheme aims to construct a 3.2km tunnel beneath the Stonehenge World Heritage Site, alongside 12.8km of dual carriageway, enhancing the A303 corridor between Amesbury and Berwick Down. Justice Holgate's latest judgment dismisses the SSWHS's plea for a review on several grounds, including alternative transportation modes and the project's potential impact on Stonehenge's world heritage status and the UK's net-zero objectives.
Specifically, the judge highlighted the government's commitment to addressing the route's need for motor vehicle traffic, rather than exploring non-expressway options such as rail. He affirmed the government's stance that the tunnel project aligns with the UK's obligations under the World Heritage Convention and noted the government's efforts to consider the scheme's carbon footprint within its broader environmental commitments.
Although the court will revisit the DfT's environmental impact evaluation, National Highways has already been granted a stay on this issue, indicating a nuanced approach to addressing environmental concerns.
SSWHS's John Adams expressed disappointment with the ruling, criticizing the potential harm to the heritage site but vowed to continue opposing the project. Meanwhile, preliminary groundwork and archaeological surveys are expected to commence this spring, lasting up to a year before the main construction phase begins.
National Highways' project director, David Bullock, welcomed the judgment as a crucial step toward addressing the A303's challenges near Stonehenge, highlighting years of collaboration with stakeholders to devise an optimal solution for this historic landscape.
This development not only marks a turning point for the Stonehenge Tunnel project but also underscores the intricate balance between preserving heritage and facilitating modern infrastructure needs. As the project moves forward, it will undoubtedly remain a focal point for discussions on heritage conservation, environmental sustainability, and infrastructure development in the UK.
Find A Start's Role in the Stonehenge Tunnel Project
As the Stonehenge Tunnel project progresses, platforms like Find A Start (www.findastart.co.uk) are poised to play a pivotal role in supporting this landmark initiative. By connecting contractors with skilled tradespeople, Find A Start can facilitate the formation of qualified teams to undertake the essential archaeological and construction work, ensuring that the project not only advances but does so with the expertise and craftsmanship it demands. For contractors and tradespeople looking to contribute to this historic undertaking, our platform offers a streamlined process to engage with significant infrastructure projects, exemplifying our commitment to enhancing the UK's construction and heritage sectors.