Representation by Susan Baker
- Date submitted
- 9 January 2019
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
I am opposed to the loss of one of our most precious cultural assets and its view when I travel along the A303. The stones are the only ones in the world and irreparable damage to the WHS, and its archaeology and setting, will be done if this change is sanctioned. It has been described by UNESCO as a ‘landscape without parallel’. I understand consultations have been had between UNESCO and international advisors who say the scheme should no go ahead in it's present form. Listen to them.
I have concerns that damage would also be caused to other sites in the area e.g. Blick Mead Mesolithic site and its setting.
Obviously if no alternatives are discussed in the consultation the Stonehenge site will be damaged forever. And once this action is taken there is no going back.
We are only the keeper of the Stones and if the tunnel is built there will always be a need of payment from the public, because once the view of the Stones is lost the public will always have to pay to see them. This is not what was envisaged when the Stones were 'given' to the Country.
I think both the National Trust and English Heritage are looking at this purely as a profit making exercise. They have not thought about the disturbance of rare bird species i.e. Stone Curlews and Great Bustard which will suffer from increased noise from faster traffic.
If we look at the history of ownership: Sir Cecil Herbert Edward Chubb, 1st Baronet, was the last private owner of Stonehenge. He was a local man who wished to avoid the stones being acquired by someone overseas and therefore purchase them in 1915, and made a donation of them to the British government on 26 October 1918 as a Gift to the Nation.
Who had the right to change his Deed of Gift and allow such as the National Trust and English Heritage to take over and ignore those who have more knowledge in saving one of our national treasures?
Please ensure the right decisions are made and stop the idea of a tunnel which will bring its own problems and look for an alternative