Representation by Simon Crook
- Date submitted
- 11 January 2019
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
Dear Sir/Madam
I am disappointed that such a destructive scheme concerning the A303 at Stonehenge as has been presented by Highways England has proceeded this far. Therefore I take this opportunity - as a qualified archaeologist interested in the prehistoric and modern context of Stonehenge - to reiterate my opposition to the proposed tunnel and dual carriageway. My opposition is based on the following reasons.
That the setting of Stonehenge by a historic route immortalised in works by artists such as Turner would be irreparably damaged.
That travellers on the historic route past the stones would be denied a view of the monument which has been the privilege of many generations of travellers, including - to declare a personal interest - me.
That works to widen the A303 and excavate the tunnel would adversely affect or destroy existing ancient monuments and natural features, notably the Mesolithic site at Blick Mead at the foot of the ancient Vespasian's Camp. Blick Mead is a natural 'warm' spring with unique mineralogical qualities, critical to our understanding of and engagement with the Stonehenge landscape as it existed in the past and as it exists in the present. It is unconscionable that any damage be sustained at this and other associated sites in the name of the so-called upgrade of the A303. Highways England's proposal amounts to a devastating 'downgrading' of heritage and environment, ensuring grave reputational damage for all institutions supporting this scheme.
I reject the argument that the Stonehenge landscape would be 'unified' when the current proposals entail the removal of the existing historical route of the A303, part of the integral setting of Stonehenge already. The proposals amount to unforgivable destruction of the Stonehenge landscape.
Yours sincerely,
Dr Simon Crook