Representation by Lynne Walmsley
- Date submitted
- 7 January 2019
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
1.International specialists from UNESCO’s World Heritage Centre and ICOMOS have advised against the scheme; while UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee in 2018 urged the government to explore less damaging options. The roadworks will cause irreparable damage to this unique archaeological landscape which contains sites and monuments that are just as important, and in some cases, more important, than Stonehenge itself: the Stonehenge landscape has been described by UNESCO as a ‘landscape without parallel.’
2.Many leading archaeologists with expertise in the WHS have objected to the scheme. Professional archaeologists who have worked in this landscape know the real value and uniqueness of what has been revealed in the past and also the potential for further exciting discoveries that will change the way we see prehistoric societies in the future.
There is a lack of appreciation by those organisations committed to the scheme as it now stands, of the uniqueness of the landscape that Stonehenge is set in. It is a mistake to assume Stonehenge stands by itself in terms of landscape space and time depth; it is in reality one tiny unit which will only yield its story if seen in association with the other archaeology around it.
To sacrifice this World Heritage Site because of problems with a 21st century traffic jam is criminally negligent. No other country with pride in its heritage would consider this vandalism, which is an insult to those people who value the time-depth of history and archaeology in the UK. Many countries do not have this - we are fortunate.
There was a lack of alternative options for building a road that do not cause so much damage to the Stonehenge landscape. Why haven't these been considered seriously?
Loss of the view from the road; this is a serious drawback as it means the landscape is not seen in context by those passing through it - part of its meaning has therefore disappeared.
The increase of noise from faster traffic must also be taken seriously and detracts from the tranquillity that is fundamental to the enjoyment and appreciation of such a site.