WORK on the A303 tunnel near Stonehenge could start as early as next year.

The project was given the green light by the government on Friday. 

It would include eight miles of dual carriageway between Amesbury and Berwick Down, and a tunnel at least two miles long underneath Stonehenge, closely following the existing A303 route, but a further 50 metres away from the monument.

There would also be a new bypass to the north of Winterbourne Stoke and junctions with the A345 and A360.

Read more: Local Plan: New Laverstock homes would be 'fundamentally undemocratic'

Derek Parody, Project Director for the A303 Stonehenge scheme, has said: "The decision represents a major milestone, not only for us as the project team but for all those who have supported this project over a number of years; our stakeholders, the heritage bodies, local and regional businesses and indeed local communities.

“We’re currently analysing the detailed changes within the Development Consent Order and assessing timescales but we anticipate being able to start preparatory work in 2024.”

There is now a six-week period in which parties can lodge an intention to legally challenge the decision.

Dr Kate Fielden, an archaeologist and environmental campaigner, and honarary secretary to the Stonehenge Alliance, told the Journal last week: "We will look carefully at the decision letter and I am sure that the Stonehenge World Heritage Site company, which was set up to challenge an earlier legal decision made by a previous secretary of state, will need to seek the advice of its legal team and see if there are grounds for another legal challenge." 

For more reaction click here.