No light at the end of the tunnel

University of Buckingham archaeologist David Jacques says a tunnel near Stonehenge will have “dreadful consequences” for the World Heritage site.

In a submission to the government a group of academics, including Mr Jacques, claim the tunnel approach will be a “visual blemish” and ruin views of the winter solstice sunset.

They also warn it will place the area’s future archaeology at risk and cause a “destructive impact” to the site.

Highways England says a tunnel will cut congestion and improve journey times. The busy A303 currently passes within a few hundred metres of the ancient Wiltshire monument.

The 1.8 mile (2.9 km) dual carriageway tunnel proposal forms part of a £2bn government scheme to upgrade all remaining sections of the road between the M3 and M5.

The group of archaeologists warns that the proposed tunnel entrance and approach road will be “a vast gash on the landscape”.

They believe a southern bypass is the only option which will not severely impact the site. They also argue it would be cheaper to build and less damaging to the landscape. The academics say Advances in technology mean the area could still offer up further major archaeological revelations “if the monuments and their precious setting are not wrecked”.

The public consultation on the government’s plans for a tunnel at Stonehenge runs until 5 March.