Representation by Open Access to Stonehenge (OAtS) (Open Access to Stonehenge (OAtS))
- Date submitted
- 10 January 2019
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
Open Access to Stonehenge (OAtS) is a Page and a Group on Facebook. Both are public, and the Group currently has more than 3,500 members, not just from the UK
As time is short, I shall submit the same grounds of OBJECTION to this application as I made myself in an individual capacity, on behalf of Open Access to Stonehenge. The overwhelming majority of members are NOT IN FAVOUR of the scheme for a tunnel.
“I OBJECT to this DCO Planning Application on behalf of members of the Facebook Group and Page called Open Access to Stonehenge"
REASONS FOR OBJECTION
Viability / Judicial Review. The Treasury, National Infrastructure Commission, Office of Road & Rail and National Audit Office warn that the project is already over budget. Widespread opposition indicates a high risk of judicial review.
Disability Discrimination. Disabled access to the WHS continues to be threatened if the tunnel is approved. Failed balancing exercises by Wiltshire Council resulted in excluding disabled via an ETRO quashed by Justice Swift on 21st December 2018; WHS Stakeholder Management WHSSM will now apply again for a Permanent WHS TRO despite Judge Behrens’ ruling in 2009 and reinforced by the 2011 Public Inquiry Decision by Alan Boyland BEng (Hons).
Stonehenge community. The effect of the tunnel would be devastating on the community of general public, pilgrims, travellers, Druid Orders etc who celebrate regularly the Solstices, Equinoxes, solar, lunar and seasonal ceremonies on the WHS. Grassing the A303, planned reduction of BOATs to restricted byways/footpaths, render impossible the ‘since time immemorial’ gatherings. Equitable access would be lost to those who gather there sharing ancient knowledge, crafts, honouring Ancestors, holding ceremonies and ADO’s observational research. They are creating Intangible Cultural Heritage in the WHS Avebury & Stonehenge’s HOLY Places of Outstanding Universal Value; the importance of being able to continue these practices are described and recognised by UNESCO.
Lack of transparency. The Developer’s own costings indicate the rejected southern route would be more cost effective. The Developer failed to provide overwhelming data against a southern route thus preventing the public from formulating effective counter arguments.
Threat of loss of WHS status & monument damage. Highways England and the WHSSM continue to ignore strong warnings from UNESCO, ICOMOS, eminent groups of academics and archaeologists citing irreparable damage to the WHS, its archaeology and setting. A contractor incident of grave concern has already occurred to the unique Mesolithic site of Blick Mead.
Threats to Wildlife and Habitats. Disturbance of rare bird species (Stone Curlew and Great Bustard) and habitat loss will increase once the A303 is grassed over. Any tree, plant or shrub that does not fit a Neolithic landscape has already been removed, drastically reducing bird cover.
Pollution and noise health risks. The tunnel, designed short in order to avoid ventilation costs, will increase noise pollution. Inadequate and unclear data hinders public assessment of Developer’s estimates.
Public Amenity - loss of free view of unique monument. The iconic drive on the A303 to view suddenly this breath-taking, sacred monument will be prevented and the free-to-all view of the Stones will be tragically lost forever.