Revoking Stonehenge tunnel consent 'unacceptable'

Councillor Ian Thorn said revoking permission would be "completely unacceptable"

A proposal to revoke planning consent for a tunnel to be built near Stonehenge has been described as "completely unacceptable".

The controversial plan for the A303 was originally given planning permission in 2023, but the scheme - which had already had £179.2m spent on it - was scrapped last year due to finances.

However, the government revoking permission altogether would mean that - if the idea was ever revived - the planning process would have to start again.

Wiltshire Council's leader said this would "disregard years of planning, consultation and investment", while the Department for Transport (DfT) said challenging finances had led to "difficult decisions" about a number of road projects.

Despite the axing of the scheme, the power to build the tunnel – called a development consent order – currently remains in place following approval by the previous Conservative government.

But the DFT has issued a draft revoking order, with a consultation until 21 November, before a final decision is made.

The controversial scheme was scrapped in 2024 due to financial constraints

Councillor Ian Thorn, leader of Wiltshire Council, said the proposal would "throw away a once-in-a-generation opportunity to improve one of the region's most vital transport corridors".

"The consequences of this decision are far-reaching. It would condemn local communities to continued congestion and rat-running," he added.

Mr Thorn also said the government had not discussed alternatives and the move would make it harder to "unlock" jobs and investment in the region.

He vowed to contest the government's intention in "the strongest possible terms."

A DfT spokesperson said: "Given the challenging financial picture we inherited, we had to make difficult decisions about a number of road projects as they were unfunded or unaffordable.

"We remain committed to investing in projects that deliver for the taxpayer and drive growth, which is why we are investing nearly £5 billion in this year alone on our Strategic Road Network to support its maintenance, enhancement, and ensure smoother journeys."