Representation by Laura Lorson
- Date submitted
- 17 December 2018
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
As an American journalist who covers arts, culture and history, I care a great deal about the issue of historic preservation, and I am deeply concerned about the way this project is being handled. The U.S. has long looked to Great Britain as a leader in the execution of plans designed to balance the needs of a dense population with the conservation of historic landmarks and monuments. Stonehenge is, quite literally, a priceless site. It links the nation with its past in a tangible way. I can think of no single archaeological site that is more closely connected with national identity than Stonehenge. I believe that there must be some way to preserve the integrity of the site for the good of the world. I cannot believe that project planners would place such an important site...a part of the world's cultural heritage...in such jeopardy. It belongs to England, it belongs to the United Kingdom...but it also belongs to the world. I urge you in the strongest possible terms to, at a minimum, take more time to consider the impact of the current plans for the A303 project. There will be no second chance to get this decision right. The damage that could be done here simply cannot be undone. This is the highest-stakes infrastructure plan I've ever seen, and I've covered the implications of roadway planning decisions on historical sites for more than 20 years. I respectfully submit that there is no downside whatsoever to waiting, and soliciting more alternative options, plans, and bids for construction. I am not a person who is anti-progress or anti-development. I just believe that this project, in this site, is just too important to get wrong. It's not just English history that's at stake. A site of this importance belongs to the world. Please consider that there might be a more equitable, satisfactory solution for all parties who have a stake in this project. Please consider the world's stake in preserving significant cultural sites. Please, please, consider what might be left to future generations of historians, and people interested in their cultural heritage. Proceeding with plans as they currently stand is an awfully big gamble. Once you've committed, there's no going back. If you get this wrong, there's no fixing what's been done. History won't forgive you. Please consider an alternative plan. Thank you.