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Druids, pagans, environmentalists and archaeologists gathered outside the High Court today for the start of a two-day hearing which they say could lead to the “desecration” of one of Britain’s most famous landmarks: Stonehenge.
Activists are launching a second legal challenge in the High Court in an attempt to halt a £1.7 billion project that aims to revamp eight miles of the A303 in Wiltshire, including the construction of a two-mile tunnel.
On Tuesday, in written statements, David Wolfe KC, representing Save Stonehenge World Heritage Site (SSWHS), stated that the project would initiate the process of “de-listing” the Unesco world heritage site.
He stated that this holds significance not only in terms of money, but also in terms of research, cultural value, symbolic value, and the reputation of the UK as a country that prioritizes its world heritage sites and fulfills its responsibilities under the world heritage convention.
He also stated that the authorized plan would “devastate” approximately seven hectares of the globally recognized site, resulting in a “permanent and irreversible” alteration.
Campaigners gathered in the rain in central London, holding signs that read “Save Stonehenge” and restated Unesco’s guidance to the government that the project “should not move forward in its current state.”
The Independent interviewed King Arthur Pendragon, a druid dressed in white robes and a silver crown, who expressed concern that the road construction would cause significant damage to archaeology. He also criticized the government for their support of the project, calling it “arrogant.”
He stated that if this plan moves forward, it will have a severe and irreversible impact on the environment of Stonehenge. He has received warnings from various official organizations advising against it, as it will result in the destruction of significant archaeological sites.
“Despite the fact that it will ruin the natural scenery, the location of their portal is where the sun sets during mid-winter and the winter solstice. This will result in light pollution that will permanently obscure the sun’s visibility in that area.”
Lorien Cadier, 71 years old, journeyed to London from her residence in Wellow, Hampshire where she resides with her 74-year-old husband, Paul Cadier.
According to her, Stonehenge holds great significance in British culture. She also mentioned a lesser-known fact about a nearby spring called Blick Mead, which was the main reason why neolithic people visited Stonehenge. The spring remains unfrozen due to a tunnel, but this may cause it to eventually dry up.
Next to the elderly couple, Charlotte Pulver is grasping a petite bowl filled with water from the nearby spring. Activists warn that the proposed project could result in the destruction of the spring.
The individual, aged 45 and residing in Hastings, stated: “Blick Mead holds significance as the birthplace of Stonehenge. The presence of this spring and its surrounding location are what allowed for the existence of Stonehenge. Its origins predate Stonehenge by 6,000 years.”
She stated, “This website is extremely valuable and if the tunnel is built, it will completely destroy this site. They claim that the henge will not be affected by the tunnel, but this significant site will be destroyed.”
During the court proceedings, Mr. Wolfe contended that the government had not properly considered alternative options for the project, and that activists felt that National Highways had presented inaccurate information that failed to acknowledge the potential harm to heritage sites. Additionally, he argued that the analysis of traffic predictions for the A303 was flawed.
He stated that the government’s method did not allow for “any thorough examination of the proof”, as the reassessment of the project was “completely controlled by officials”.
According to Mr. Wolfe, the campaigners expressed a preference for a project involving either a longer bored tunnel or a surface route. They argued that the surface route would be significantly more cost-effective, estimating a savings of approximately £400 million based on calculations from 2017.
The National Highways’ proposal for the tunnel aims to eliminate the visual and auditory effects of traffic near the designated area, resulting in shorter travel durations.
In written statements, James Strachan, KC for the DfT, stated that there was no insufficiency in the ministerial briefing regarding the potential risk of de-listing a world heritage site.
He stated that the world heritage site will not be removed from the list, and there are no plans to remove it if the scheme moves forward.
The lawyer stated that the government determined the project aligns with the UK’s responsibilities under the world heritage convention and that they will collaborate with advisory bodies to reduce potential damage.
According to him, the minister had access to all necessary qualifications to make his decision, which followed all legal criteria and was unbiasedly just.
He stated that the minister had enough evidence to come to the final conclusion that the benefits of the alternatives in terms of preserving heritage were not significant enough to justify the expenses, delays, and other negative consequences of implementing them.
In November 2020, the project was approved by former transport secretary Grant Shapps, despite warnings from Planning Inspectorate officials that it would have a lasting negative impact on the area.
The SSWHS coalition effectively contested his ruling in the High Court.
In 1986, Unesco designated the Stonehenge and Avebury sites as a world heritage site due to the size and intricacy of the megaliths, as well as the presence of neolithic and bronze age structures and monuments.
The case being heard by Mr. Justice Holgate is set to come to a close on Thursday, with a decision anticipated at a future time.
Additional information provided by the Press Association
Source: independent.co.uk
