Conservation bodies criticise axing of Stonehenge tunnel

Supporters of a controversial scheme to reroute a major road under Stonehenge have criticised the government's cancellation of the project as it seeks to make savings.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves announced the scrappping of the planned £2bn tunnel under the prehistoric site, redirecting the A303 which passes close by, as part of measures to plug a £22bn hole in the country's finances.

There has been vocal opposition to the tunnel, with campaign group Save Stonehenge World Heritage Site winning a court battle in 2020 to overturn former Tory Minister Grant Shapps's approval of the project.

Earlier this month, the group legally challenged a subsequent judicial review that allowed the scheme to proceed. The group claimed ministers responsible for the decision were “inadequately briefed”. 

However a spokesperson for English Heritage, which manages the site, told Arts Newspaper it will seek further dialogue with the government to find a solution for the monument.

“English Heritage has been a strong supporter of the tunnel project, which would reunite the ancient landscape and allow more people to explore and enjoy this remarkable site,” said the spokesperson.

The National Trust was also critical, warning that “a solution is needed to remove the hugely damaging surface road that blights Stonehenge and its surrounding landscape”.