Campaigners Successfully Win Right to Appeal Judicial Review, Causing Delay in Stonehenge Tunnel Construction

May 22, 2024 TruthUSA

The High Court decision marks a significant development in the ongoing legal battle between the government and campaigners, who argue that road works will have a detrimental impact on the Stonehenge site.

Following the Court of Appeal’s ruling to uphold campaigners’ case against the £1.7 billion Stonehenge Tunnel project, works on the tunnel will be postponed indefinitely.

Save Stonehenge World Heritage Site (SSWHS) has successfully obtained the right to appeal the previous High Court decision rejecting a judicial review of the government’s approval of the scheme.

The A303, a single-carriageway road near the UNESCO world heritage site, has been notorious for traffic congestion for years. The Department for Transport (DfT) approved a plan last year to construct a two-mile tunnel from Amesbury, Wiltshire, to Berwick Down.

Critics of the project argue that it would have a severe environmental impact on the ancient stone circle dating back 5,000 years.

In December, SSWHS applied for a judicial review of the government’s decision, which was initially dismissed. However, the court’s recent decision grants SSWHS permission to appeal the High Court ruling.

The delay in the project is welcomed by campaigners, with Stonehenge Alliance chair John Adams expressing relief at the opportunity to scrutinize the government’s decision thoroughly.

The government argues that the benefits of the road tunnel outweigh the downsides. Nevertheless, National Highways stated that the tunnel will help reduce noise pollution near the site, which attracts druids and pagans during the winter solstice.

Planning permission for the £1.7 billion road tunnel near Stonehenge was granted in 2020. According to National Highways, the twin-bore tunnel will pass more than 200 meters south of the iconic Stonehenge site at its closest point.

Following the recent court decision, preliminary works will be put on hold as the legal battle unfolds.

“We are disappointed by this setback, which will result in further delays to the project as the legal process continues. We will actively participate in future legal proceedings, collaborating closely with DfT,” stated National Highways.

Leigh Day solicitors, representing SSWHS campaigners, emphasized the significance of the Court granting permission to appeal, acknowledging the substantial public interest in the future of Stonehenge.

The SSWHS campaign group is seeking additional funds for the Appeal Court hearing, with a crowdfunding page set up to cover the costs.

Chris Summers contributed to this report.

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