Representation by Stuart Morrison
- Date submitted
- 3 January 2019
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
I would like to lodge my objections to the proposed A303 tunnel project. It is my view that this will cause unnecessary damage to archaeological assets both known and yet to be found/researched. I am also concerned that the new junctions and alignments at either end will also endanger the character of the landscape.
I have worked for many years in civil engineering, including with one of the design consultants for the tunnel, and I have serious concerns over the ability to actually carry out the proposed works without negatively impacting the landscape. Given the recent damage during simple investigation works, it worries me that the level of skill and quality of oversight being shown is not sufficient for a site of such importance.
As someone who works in the industry on major infrastructure projects, and as UK taxpayer, I do not believe the scheme gives value for money nor do I believe it will be delivered on budget based on similar schemes I have been involved in. I would worry, too, about the impact on the local community that such a major workforce and the movement of vehicles, plant and materials will have for the time required.
Finally, I question the motivation for the works. I believe it is more for the benefit of the site as a tourist destination than it is for the protection and betterment of Stonehenge as a prehistoric landscape. The site is already operated like a theme park and this project can only facilitate it further becoming Britain's Giza plateau. The proposed development is immediately detrimental to the landscape in archaeological terms and similarly detrimental in the long term as tourism develops.