Ministers again overrule inspectors over A303

17/07/2023 | CHRIS AMES

Campaigners have accused the transport secretary of a decision that ‘will permanently disfigure Britain’s most significant and sacred prehistoric landscape’ after he gave the go-ahead for National Highways’ controversial plans for a tunnel for the A303 at Stonehenge.

Mark Harper has granted a new development consent order (DCO) for the scheme, after a previous DCO granted by predecessor Grant Shapps was overturned in the High Court.

National Highways said its ‘transformational and sensitive upgrade’ will help to unlock congestion and transform journeys for millions of people using the A303 between the South East and South West.

In fact, the government-owned company’s own analysis shows that the tunnel will lead to congestion elsewhere without works further down the route that currently have no timetable for delivery.

In his decision letter, Mr Harper said he agreed with the Planning Inspectorate that full realisation of the wider benefits would be dependent on all proposed improvements in the A303 corridor being implemented and that in their absence, economic benefits from the scheme would be ‘moderate’.

National Highways chief executive Nick Harris said: ‘The A303 Stonehenge scheme is part of the biggest investment in our road network for a generation, and I’m really pleased the project has been given the green light by the secretary of state for transport – a decision which will enable us to progress this transformational scheme and deliver the planned benefits.

‘The decision follows a lot of work on a comprehensive year-long process to reassess our Development Consent Order, looking in detail at possible alternatives, also including cumulative carbon and heritage issues.

‘It means we’re now a step closer to solving the longstanding issues of congestion and delays on the existing A303, improving journeys for all our customers and bringing much-need relief to local communities.’

UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee has condemned the scheme, which will see both portals of the tunnel within the World Heritage Site, and has threatened to place the monument on the World Heritage in Danger List.

The Stonehenge Alliance campaign said it was appalled by the decision in the face of strong advice from the Planning Inspectorate.

President Tom Holland said: ‘Today, a supposedly Conservative government plans to blow upwards of £2bn, at a time when the country’s finances are in a shocking state, on a monstrous white elephant of a road development that will permanently disfigure Britain’s most significant and sacred prehistoric landscape.

‘The decision of Mark Harper to green-light the building of a tunnel through a stretch of the World Heritage Site that surrounds Stonehenge is as inexplicable as it is disgraceful.’

Derek Parody, project director for the scheme, said Nationalh Highways was currently analysing the detailed changes within the DCO and assessing timescales but anticipates being able to start preparatory work next year.

Highways InProfile

latest magazine issue
Highways jobs

Structures Commissioner

Grade 14 £53,166 - £59,080 per annum (Pay Award Pending)
We are seeking an experienced and strategic leader to join our team as the Structures Commissioner. Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Team Leader Network Co-ordination

£51,429 - £58,140
As Team Leader for Network Coordination, you’ll manage a team that oversees all works and events on our public highways. Kensington and Chelsea, London (Greater)
Recruiter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

PRINCIPAL TRANSPORT PLANNING OFFICER

£43693 - £46731
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced professional to join our team in Hull as a Principal Transport Planning Officer. Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire
Recruiter: Hull City Council

HIGHWAYS AND TRAFFIC ENGINEER - 4 POSTS

£43693 - £46731
We have several exciting opportunities for suitably qualified Highways Civil Engineers and Traffic Engineers Wilson Centre, 1st floor, Hull HU1 2AG
Recruiter: Hull City Council

Principal Transport Planner

£45,718 to £49,764
Do you have considerable experience in the transport strategy and policy, and are you looking for your next career development opportunity? Sheffield, South Yorkshire
Recruiter: Sheffield City Council

Structures Delivery Manager

Grade 13 £47,653 - £51,296 per annum (pay award pending)
We’re looking for an experienced and motivated Structures Delivery Manager to lead the delivery of structural asset investment Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Head of Highway Operations

Grade 15 £61,048 - £66,960 per annum (Pay award pending)
Here at Derbyshire County Council, we have been on a journey to transform the way we deliver highway services Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Project Lead - Bridges and Structures WMF3037e

£45,718 to £46,731
We are currently seeking to recruit a Project Lead to join our Bridges and Structures team Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Traffic Management Technician - WMF3040e

£27,711 - £28,624
Are you an organised and motivated individual who wants to make a difference to how our roads are managed? Cumbria / Various
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Traffic Management Officer - WMF2114e

£37,035 - £37,938
Are you an experienced and motivated professional looking to take the next step in your traffic management career? Cumbria / Various
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Project Delivery Senior Team Leader

£74,480 - £85,964
Are you an experienced Chartered Civil Engineer (or equivalent professional qualification) Glasgow City
Recruiter: Transport Scotland

Assistant Traffic Management Technician - WMF2104e

£25,584 - £25,992
Westmorland and Furness Council is seeking an organised and enthusiastic individual to join our South Lakeland team Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Project Delivery Team Leader

£57,710 - £71,842
Are you an experienced Chartered Civil Engineer (or equivalent professional qualification). Glasgow City
Recruiter: Transport Scotland

Traffic Management Officer - WMF2102e

£37,035 - £37,938
This is a key role supporting the delivery a wide range of traffic and road safety schemes. Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Traffic Management Officer - WMF2102e

£37,035 - £37,938
This is a key role supporting the delivery a wide range of traffic and road safety schemes. Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Assistant Traffic Management Technician - WMF2104e

£25,584 - £25,992
This is a key support role, helping to deliver a wide range of traffic and road safety schemes across South Lakeland. Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Flood Risk Engineering and Strategy Officer

£49,764 - £55,623
In line with our One Coventry Values, we want to ensure that our communities are represented across our workforce Coventry, West Midlands
Recruiter: Coventry City Council

Engineer

£44,430 - £51,663
This post is within the Highways Design and Delivery Team. London (Greater)
Recruiter: Tower Hamlets London Borough Council

Head of Highways Operations

Salary
Somerset Council
Recruiter: Somerset Council

Highway Network Technician - WMF2090e

£27,711 - £28,624
We are looking to recruit a friendly and motivated candidate to join our Highways Maintenance Team as Highways Network Technician. Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council
SUBSCRIBE NOW

Latest Video

Subscribe to Highways today to ensure you keep your finger on the pulse of everything happening in the UK road network throughout the year.

SUBSCRIBE NOW