Stonehenge Tunnel ruled as ‘unlawful’ by High Court

Friday, 30 July 2021 01:00

The High Court has quashed the development consent order (DCO) today, 30th July 2021, which would allow the construction of a dual-carriageway road tunnel under Stonehenge replacing the existing A303 road.

Mr Justice Holgate has allowed the judicial review by Save Stonehenge World Heritage Site on the grounds relating to the adequacy of the information before Ministers and his consideration of alternatives.

On the 12th November 2020, The Secretary of State for Transport authorised the construction of a new 13km long route on the A303 between Amesbury and Berwick Down.

In the ruling, the judge found Grant Shapps unlawful on two grounds.

First, that the government made a “material error of law” in the decision-making process as there was no evidence of the impact on each individual asset at the heritage site.

Secondly, it was ruled that Shapps failed to consider alternative options. Third parties had raised alternatives and the Examining Authority had addressed the information about them in its Report.

More to follow.

More from Local News

Tributes paid to Stuart Withers after fatal accident in Salisbury

Tributes are being paid to Stuart Withers, who was knocked down and killed in an accident in Salisbury yesterday (22nd November) morning.
Salisbury's match against Maidstone United is ON

Salisbury's match against Maidstone United this afternoon is ON!
Shops tested on 'Challenge 25 policy' when selling knives

Almost 60% of shops visited by during a week of action focusing on knife crime passed the 'Challenge 25 policy' and didn't sell knives or bladed articles to under-age shoppers.
SEND families invited to online meeting to hear updates on SEND support

Wiltshire Council is inviting families of children and young people with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND) to participate in an online session as part of the consultation on the funding for Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).
Longleat closed today due to bad weather

Longleat Safari Park in Wiltshire will be closed today (Saturday 23 November) due to the forecast of strong winds.
Salisbury MP visits local primary school

Salisbury's MP has visited Winterbourne Earls Primary School and answered children's questions on a range of subjects.
Man in his 70s dies after Exeter Street collision

A man in his 70s has sadly died following a road traffic collision in Salisbury City Centre this morning (22nd November).
Weather Warning: Salisbury set for Heavy Rain this weekend

The Met Office has put a yellow weather warning in place across the area thanks to Storm Bert.