UNESCO issue warning over Stonehenge's status as world heritage site
It comes as a legal challenge gets underway into the Transport Secretary's decision to approve tunnel plans
Last updated 23rd Jun 2021
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization has warned Stonehenge could be put on its list of world heritage sites in danger if plans to build a tunnel aren't modified.
Under the current plans the A303 will be made into a dual carriage way and a 2 mile tunnel built.
UNESCO's world heritage committee says "the proposed tunnel length remains inadequate to protect the outstanding univeral value" of the site.
It says a longer tunnel would ensure that its entry points do not have a "highly adverse and irreversible impact."
And it added
"It is regretted that for such an iconic world heritage property, the argument persists that the perceived benefits of a longer tunnel do not outweigh the costs."
UNESCO's stark warning comes as a three day court hearing to scrutinse the planning approval of the £1.7bn road scheme begins today.
Campaigners want a judicial review of the project.
Tom Holland, president of the Stonehenge Alliance said
"UNESCO come in late but they come in hard. A reminder that the government is in contravention of international as well as national planning requirements with its shameful plans for the Stonehenge Tunnel."
Similar comments have been echoed by former mayor of Amesbury, Andy Rhind Tutt.
Unesco says it will consider the status of Stonehenge at its 45th session in 2022.
The World Heritage committee has called on the government to provide an update on its plans for Stonehenge by February next year.