Government revokes Stonehenge Tunnel planning consent

The transport secretary has formally revoked the development consent order (DCO) for the long-running Stonehenge Tunnel scheme, bringing the controversial project to a definitive end.

The decision removes the legal powers granted to National Highways to deliver the A303 Amesbury to Berwick Down upgrade, which included a proposed 3.3km tunnel beneath the Stonehenge World Heritage Site, alongside a new bypass and junction improvements.

Funding and policy shifts drive decision

In confirming the move, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander cited a series of “exceptional circumstances”, led by the lack of secured funding and no realistic prospect of financing being put in place.

She also pointed to changes in national and regional transport policy, stating the scheme “no longer aligns with current strategic policy objectives or investment priorities”.

The project had already been defunded in July 2024, with the government signalling its intention to cancel planning permission later that year.

Planning blight and land use concerns

Another key factor behind the decision was the risk of planning blight, with the existence of the DCO restricting how land within the scheme boundary could be used.

Alexander warned that continued uncertainty could limit development opportunities and potentially expose the government to compensation claims from affected landowners.

Revoking the DCO is expected to remove these constraints and allow alternative proposals for the land to come forward.

Strong public backing for cancellation

A consultation on the proposed revocation received 236 responses, with 181 supporting the move, 49 opposing it and six neutral.

Among those opposing the decision was Reform UK MP Danny Kruger, who argued the scheme would have improved congestion, safety and the setting of Stonehenge, as well as delivering economic benefits. He also highlighted that more than £170m had already been spent on the project.

Permanent end to the scheme

Unlike simply pausing or defunding a project, revoking the DCO represents a more permanent step, meaning the scheme cannot be restarted without going through the entire planning process again.

The Stonehenge Tunnel had been one of the UK’s most contentious infrastructure projects, balancing efforts to improve a key strategic route to the south west against concerns over heritage and environmental impacts.

Wider trend of cancellations

The decision is part of a broader pattern, with the current government also moving to revoke planning powers for other major road schemes approved under the previous administration, including the A1 dualling in Northumberland and the A47 Wansford to Sutton upgrade.

The cancellation signals a shift in infrastructure priorities, with greater emphasis on deliverability, funding certainty and alignment with updated transport policy.