Keir Starmer, leader of the Labour Party, has pledged to re-examine the controversial £1.7 billion Stonehenge tunnel project.
This announcement comes as United Nations officials call for the ancient site to be placed on the List of World Heritage in Danger due to the potential impact of the proposed tunnel.
Legal Challenge and Review:
Starmer stated that the Labour Party will review the Wiltshire project after the ongoing legal case against it concludes. Campaigners recently secured permission to challenge an earlier ruling that favored the road project. The scheme, initially approved by ministers in November 2020, has been embroiled in legal battles since then.
Starmer acknowledged the need to address the significant traffic issues around Stonehenge, citing the current plan as an example of lengthy infrastructure project timelines under the current government. He emphasized the need for change while awaiting the court’s decision before initiating a thorough review.
UNESCO’s Draft Decision:
Meanwhile, the provisional agenda for the upcoming UNESCO World Heritage Convention in India includes a draft decision to add Stonehenge to the List of World Heritage in Danger. This move aims to mobilize international support for protecting the site.
The UNESCO document warns that the proposed scheme, involving almost 13 kilometers of new road, including over 3 kilometers within a twin-bored tunnel near the heritage site, poses a threat to the site’s outstanding universal value.
Criticism of Controversial Cuttings:
The committee criticized the retention of 3.5 kilometers of controversial cuttings in the proposed highway, despite requests for their removal. It also noted that suggested mitigation measures would offer only minimal visual improvements.
John Adams, chair of the Stonehenge Alliance, described the committee’s report as a “damning verdict” on National Highways’ plans. He emphasized the potential for significant damage to the site, advocating for the project to be scrapped.
Contractors and Government Response:
In 2022, National Highways awarded a £1.25 billion construction contract for the Stonehenge scheme to a joint venture comprising FCC Construcción (Spain), WeBuild (Italy), and BeMo Tunnelling (Austria). National Highways and the government have been approached for comment regarding the recent developments.