Representation by Gillian Miller
- Date submitted
- 11 December 2018
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
Irreparable damage to the WHS, its archaeology and setting, described by UNESCO as a ‘landscape without parallel’ - I visited Stonehenge as a young adult and was overawed by the stones and the surroundings. Bit by bit we are encroaching onto this priceless piece of history and this road is the final straw to destroy it.
UNESCO’s international advisers say the scheme should not go ahead in its present form Concerns about damage to Blick Mead Mesolithic site and its setting - As above, this site is unique and irreplaceable and the road will damage it.
Lack of alternative options in consultation that would not damage the World Heritage Site - this option is being forced upon us with no alternatives being offered.
Loss of the view from the road and need to pay to see the Stones in future - If the view from the road is lost then the view from the stones will also be road and that, in itself, will destroy the feel of the place itself.
Disturbance of rare bird species (Stone Curlew and Great Bustard) - rare species of animals need protection now rather than when they are so endangered that they will disappear.
Increased noise from faster traffic - increased noise will damage the feel of the area and disturb the birds.
I am deeply concerned that there will be irreparable damage to the World Heritage Site, its archaeology and setting by work vehicles, close proximity of workmen and of the new road. Vibrations from heavy and faster moving traffic will cause movement of the stones as well as an increase of noise.
UNESCO's advisers say the scheme should not go ahead in its present form. There has been a lack of alternative options that would not damage the World Heritage Site in the consultation. I am deeply concerned that there is no consideration for any real protection of this very important heritage site.
Additionally, there are concerns about damage to Blick Mead Mesolithic site and its setting. The site has yielded truly remarkable evidence of extensive and enduring activity during the Mesolithic period and it is feared that a suggested flyover that forms part of the development will be constructed only metres from our site, affecting the local water table and threatening its organic remains.
As a biologist I am also concerned about the disturbance of rare bird species, the Stone Curlew and Great Bustard. The Stone Curlew is one of Britain's rarest birds with some 350 breeding pairs, most of them confined to the Wiltshire chalklands and the Norfolk Brecks. The great bustard is being re-introduced after the last one was shot in 1832 and needs the land to to feed on. Noisy busy roads will scare prey and the birds may be hit by fast moving traffic.