Managing Director | Orion Heritage | Expert provider of specialist archaeological & built heritage planning & construction related advice to developers, landowners & planners
One day the Stonehenge tunnel will get built and it looks like it’s one step closer. There are of course as with any controversial development scheme, all sorts of views on the rights and wrongs of a scheme, but for me, the tunnel has been needed for a long time as the A303 is a serious detractor from Stonehenge and the incredible archaeological landscape it sits at the heart of
The 2nd Stonehenge tunnel judicial review was dismissed today. Environmental JRs of this kind can generate lots of publicity, as this one has. And occasionally they succeed (see e.g. the *1st* Stonehenge tunnel JR!). On the other hand, remember that: 1. Most claims fail - e.g. only around 10% of legal challenges to Planning Inspectors' decisions succeed, and so... 2. Prospective challengers: make sure you've found your silver bullet. You're likely to need it! As Reuben Taylor KC (who acted successfully for National Highways) says below - the judgment contains useful guidance on the extent of information a decision maker needs to consider relating to alternatives and on the briefing of ministers.
Technical Director Historic Environment at RPS Group
2moThe judge ruled against the claimants on 7 of the 8 grounds on which they sought the JR, with the outstanding ground on on hold pending a separate case in the Appeal Court. That case failed yesterday so the claimants now need to take this to a higher court or drop it.