Two new buildings to be built near Stonehenge

The "Neolithic classroom" will be based on evidence found at Durrington Walls

Two new buildings will be built near Stonehenge, after plans for a pair of learning centres were given the go-ahead.

Wiltshire Council approved the application submitted by English Heritage, which includes two new buildings about 2.5 miles to the west of Stonehenge Circle.

According to the proposal, the plans are part of a "wider investment strategy for supporting improvements to the visitor experience at Stonehenge."

The first building will be a new learning centre, while the second building has been described as "Neolithic classroom", near the existing Neolithic village.

The design of the classroom will be based on evidence for Neolithic communal buildings found at Durrington Walls, situated within Stonehenge.

The learning centre will include a lab as well as a learning studio connected to outdoor spaces, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The planning application explained the new area will allow students to experience "a deepened and enhanced appreciation of Neolithic life".

It said: "Given its international status and cultural significance, English Heritage believes that Stonehenge should have a sector-leading education offer as befits this unique and special place."

The learning centre will include a lab and workshops

Wiltshire Council's case officer report noted that although the new facilities will result in an increase of traffic to the area, this traffic is likely to be by bus, which is in line with the council's policy of decreasing travel by private car.