Two brochures were available at the local exhibition in Amesbury, Jan 15/16:
   The Master Plan from English Heritage and the National Trust  and
   The A303 Trunk Road Scheme from the Highways Agency

ENGLISH HERITAGE          THE NATIONAL TRUST                    MAP   (90KB)

The stones remain; their stillness can outlast
The skies of history hurrying overhead.
from "The Heart's journey" by Seigfried Sassoon

A WORLD HERITAGE SITE

Stonehenge is Britain's greatest prehistoric archaeological monument. It stands at the centre of over 2,000 hectares of ancient landscape containing 450 Scheduled Ancient Monuments. In 1986, it was designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

Stonehenge and its landscape survived relatively untouched for thousands of years. More recently, two roads were introduced into the landscape, bringing with them ever-increasing traffic and serious environmental problems. Over the years, the chalk downland and archaeology have been badly damaged by the plough. In 1993, the visitor facilities, which have to cater for nearly one million visitors a year, were described by the House of Commons Public Accounts Committee as "a national disgrace".

Last July, we welcomed the Government's commitment to dual the A303, to place the road in a two kilometre tunnel where it passes the Stones and the proposal to close the A344, as the only affordable solution. English Heritage and The National Trust will at last be able to reunite Stonehenge and its monuments in their unique and natural setting. All existing housing is retained. People will be able to roam freely amongst the Stones and, at no cost, to experience the mystery of one of the most powerful and distinctive places on Earth.

We are eager to carry out this Master Plan as soon as possible. To do this, we will need the support of the public, and more especially that of the local community. The Government has given us the opportunity to restore Stonehenge's isolation and dignity, and the awesome beauty of its natural setting. We must not let it slip away.
Sir Jocelyn Stevens CVO, Chairman of English Heritage
Charles Nunneley, Chairman of the National Trust

A GREEN AND PLEASANT LANDSCAPE

"Every age has the Stonehenge it deserves - or desires." Jacquetta Hawkes archaeologist and author 1967

The Master Plan grasps the opportunity to heal the fragile habitat of this fractured Wiltshire landscape, through the largest single chalk downland recreation scheme in the middle of a crucially important area for this scarce habitat. It will benefit both wildlife and people by providing a safe natural habitat for many species of birds, insects, butterflies, flowers and plants. English Nature has described the Plan as a major step towards meeting Biodiversity Action Plan targets for habitat recreation and targets for several species such as the skylark and early gentian as well. The conservation benefits will become apparent by the immediate introduction of conditions to suit ground-nesting birds and the use of `pioneer' flowers to provide early spectacular displays.

IMPLEMENTING THE PLAN

The elimination of the impact on the environment made by the noise and sight of traffic is the first task. The plaris for the A303 announced in the Government's Targeted Programme of Improvements in July 1998 have provided the breakthrough including a two kilometre tunnel and a bypass north of Winterbourne Stoke. The Master Plan also includes the closure of the A344 and improvements at Longbarrow Crossroads. Improvements to Countess Roundabout will be developed as one of the detailed aspects of the A303 scheme.

The New Visitor Facilities
A new visitor centre will be developed by the private sector to the east of Countess Roundabout, within the guidelines set out in a revised planning brief to be agreed by Salisbury District Council. A full range of interpretation, education, catering and retail facilities for visitors will be included.

Car parking will be located at the new visitor centre and visitors will be transported by a shuttle bus service along the A303, A360 and the western section of the A344 to a drop-off point at Fargo North. From Fargo North, it will be a 20-minute walk to the Stones for those who wish to walk. Anyone who wishes to walk from the visitor centre, or from any other direction, will be encouraged to do so. For elderly and disabled people, special arrangements will be available to take them along the grassed-over footprint of the A344 from Fargo North to the Stones and back.

The Archaeology
A special database has been developed using a Geographical Information System which holds records of all the recorded archaeology within a study area of 135 square kilometres centred on the Stonehenge monument. This database has been used to assess the impact of the cut-and-cover tunnel, including an assumed 10 metre buffer zone to the north and south of the corridor likely to be needed for its construction. Five scheduled monuments and eleven sites fall partly or fully within this assessment area and could be affected by the tunnel construction. All of these 16 sites have already been damaged by ploughing and only three are now visible. Nevertheless, as part of a coherent research strategy, a major programme of archeological investigation will precede the construction of the tunnel. This will lead to better understanding of the history of the Site.

The Landscape
The Master Plan recognises the need to work with local landowners and farmers to bring to an end the ploughing that has proved so damaging to the archaeology of the Stonehenge Bowl and the wider World Heritage Site. The goodwill and support of local farmers will be essential to achieve this, and the economic consequences of changing from arable to grass are fully understood. The aim will be progressively to remove fences and to extend the existing network of footpaths and bridleways.

THE MASTER PLAN                                                          MAP   (90KB)

1) A303 Scheme and Winterbourne Stoke Bypass
The A303 scheme was described as an Exceptional Environmental Scheme in the Department of the Environment, . Transport and the Regions's Targeted Programme of Improvements in July 1998. The only scheme in this category, it will cost an estimated £125 million and is an un-precedented commitment by the Government. The Highways Agency will be completing consultation on the exact route to be adopted for a bypass for Winterbourne Stoke which is included in the Scheme.

The dualling of the A303 and the Winterbourne Stoke Bypass will deliver a substantial improvement for everyone who uses the A303 and the roads in the area ·around Stonehenge.

2) Closure of the A344
The closure of the A344 will take place at the date upon which the construction work begins on the eastbound tunnel to the A303. Wiltshire County Council will begin the necessary statutory procedures to achieve this.

3) Tunnel
The A303 dual carriageway will be placed in a two kilometre cut-and-cover tunnel where it passes nearest to the Stones. The current expectation is that subject to statutory procedures, during the construction the existing A303 would remain open until the westbound tunnel is completed. Traffic would then be transferred to the westbound tunnel whilst the eastbound tunnel replaces the existing carriage-way. At Stonehenge Bottom, the tunnel will, for a short distance, break through the surface of the dry valley. The contours of the valley will be landscaped so that the tunnel will not be visible.

4) Longbarrow Crossroads
The concept scheme currently allows for an underpass at Longbarrow Crossroads. The Highways Agency will illustrate possible options; taking into account the special sensitivity of the adjacent archaeology and will be interested in comments on these, prior to developing solutions in more detail.

5) Countess Roundabout
Improvements to the Countess Roundabout, including a flyover, will be co:nsidered as one of the aspects of the A303 scheme and development of the visitor centre.

6) Diversion of Byway 12
The Landscape Plan for the World Heritage Site provides for Byway 12 to be diverted. The diversion will provide a new cross- country route away to the west of the Stones which will also avoid the married quarters at Larkhill Garrison. We will ask Wiltshire County Council to deal with the necessary procedures at an early stage.

WORKING TOGETHER TO MEET THE CHALLENGE

"I can think of' no better example to the world of how this country cares for its great heritage."
Sir Jocelyn Stevens Chairman of English Heritage

The Stonehenge Master Plan presents an enormous challenge. English Heritage, The National Trust, English Nature, and national and local Government are firmly committed to saving Stonehenge and providing public access to the World Heritage Site. The Master Plan is the result of nearly eight years' work involving numerous conferences, hundreds of meetings and many hours of consultation. Debates have raged on every detail, at every level. The subject of Stonehenge has been raised in Parliament 128 times since 1992. Every local resident has a view and so, it appears, do the millions of people from around the world who visit Stonehenge. Painters, poets, planners, the public and, at last, politicians find the Stones in their ceremonial circle irresistible, while archaeologists and astronomers pursue the relentless quest to solve the enigma of their origins and purpose. In returning Stonehenge to its ancient landscape we will be recapturing, too, the sense of mystery which is its very essence.

"At last the day is in view when the indignities which the last two centuries have heaped on Stonehenge are removed, and people visiting this spectacular World Heritage Site can enjoy decent access and excellent presentation. We must now seize this unique opportunity and work together to bring the vision to reality."
Chris Smith Secretary of State for Culture Media, and Sport

"The Stonehenge Master Plan demonstrates the benefits of co-ordination between Government Departments. We now have a strategy to restore Stonehenge to something like its original setting. That is a legacy future generations will be able to enjoy."
Lord Whitty Minister for Roads, Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions

"At last, after so many years of debating, this Master Plan provides a focal point for action. It represents a double breakthrough in our efforts to preserve this precious inheritance: not only does it offer the means of protection for the Monolithic Stones, but it also guarantees the safeguarding of the whole bowl of the Stonehenge cultural landscape. This dual endeavour is a first step towards the renewal of the greatness of a site which has been with us since the dawn of humanity."
Bernd von Droste Director, UNESCO World Heritage Centre

"We have reached a critical point in the Stonehenge story. We have an inspiring plan. We have the leadership of Sir Jocelyn Stevens. We have the most welcome support of Chris Smith, the Secretary of State; we have an unprecedented degree of support locally and nationally - we must now muster a final effort that will secure the funding and realise the plan."
Martin Drury Director-General of The National Trust

"The Master Plan will be a significant step towards meeting the Biodiversity Action Plan targets for several important species such as the skylark, the early gentian and marsh fritillary butterfly. The opportunity to re-create several hundred hectares of chalk grassland in the coming years offers huge benefits to people and wildlife. English Nature will be delighted to offer its management expertise and experience."
Baroness Young of Old Scone Chairman of English Nature

A303 TRUNK ROAD IMPROVEMENT SCHEME for STONEHENGE
(incorporating the Winterbourne Stoke Bypass)

[Contents of the brochure accompanying the exhibition]

HIGHWAYS AGENCY EXHIBITION

INTRODUCTION

In July 1998 the Government announced in 'A New Deal for Trunk Roads in England' that the A303 Stonehenge improvement, incorporating the Winterbourne Stoke Bypass, would be developed as an 'exceptional environmental scheme'. The scheme is a central element of the Government's proposals set out in the Stonehenge Master Plan which include the removal of traffic from the area of the Stonehenge monument and the re-creation of its unique landscape. It would also remove main road traffic from the community of' Winterbourne Stoke.

Proposals for the improvement of the A303 Trunk Road between Amesbury and Berwick Down, including the section past Stonehenge and a bypass of Winterbourne Stoke, have been the subject of extensive study and consultation since 1991.

The following studies and consultations have taken place during this period:

· 1991 to 1993 - Initial route identification and study

· 1993 - PubIic Consultation

· 1993 to 1995 - Alternative route identification and study

· 1995 - Planning Conference

· 1998 - New scheme incorporating a 2km tunnel announced by the Government.

The challenge has been to find an acceptable solution for the improvement of the section through the World Heritage Site past Stonehenge. The long-awaited breakthrough came in the July 1998 announcement that this section would be dualled on the line of the existing road with the 2km section closest to the Stones placed in a cut and cover tunnel. More details of this proposal are included in English Heritage's separate brochure.

THE EXHIBITION

The purpose of the exhibition is to set out the Government's highway proposals for public consultation before a preferred route is announced. The exhibition will show information about the following aspects of the scheme:

· The Government's proposals, including the 2km tunnel

· Possible junction options for Winterbourne Stoke and Longbarrow crossroads

· The proposed route, including the Winterbourne Stoke Bypass

Staff from the Highways Agency, English Heritage and their advisors will be available at the exhibition to answer questions. Details of the venue, dates and times for the exhibition are given on the back of this brochure.

[Map divided here into West (78KB - Winterbourne Stoke)  and East (126KB - Stonehenge)]

   Map (West)                     Map (East)     

THE OVERALL SCHEME

The scheme includes 9.2km (6 miles) of new dual carriageway between the end of the existing dual carriageways west of Amesbury and Berwick Down. The line of the route is shown on the plan.

Countess Roundabout is not currently included in the scheme, but there will be an opportunity at the exhibition to comment on possible junction arrangements. The scheme designs and concepts remain indicative at this stage and will need further development after the public has had opportunity to comment.

The scheme is an integral part of the Government's vision for the Stonehenge World Heritage Site which is described in English Heritage's separate brochure. The main features of the scheme are:

· Dualling of the existing road between the west end of the Amesbury bypass and Longbarrow crossroads.

· A 2km tunnel for the section of road closest to Stonehenge.

· A bypass for Winterbourne Stoke running to the north of the village.

WINTERBOURNE STOKE BYPASS

The scheme announced in July 1998 includes a bypass for Winterbourne Stoke. However, some aspects of this section of the A303 improvement remains to be settled, including:

· Confirmation of the Preferred Route

· Junctions to allow access to Winterbourne Stoke            Map (West)           

· Junction options at Longbarrow crossroads

The 1993 Public Consultation showed two routes for the Winterbourne Stoke Bypass. These were called the Red and Blue Routes and are shown dotted on the plan. Both routes passed to the north of the village with the Red Route further from the village. The consultation indicated a general preference for the Red Route. As part of the identification and study of alternative routes in preparation for the 1995 Planning Conference a further route was suggested, as part of an overall northern route, for the section west of Winterbourne Stoke village. This ran midway between the Red and Blue Routes moving the line away from Parsonage Down Site of Special Scientific Interest and National Nature Reserve, when compared to the Red Route, without significantly increasing the effect on the village or Scotland Lodge Farm.

The proposed route for the Winterbourne Stoke Bypass shown on this plan combines the eastern section of the Red Route with a modified alignment for the western section described above. More details of the proposed route and the reasons for the choice will be available at the exhibition. If you have any views they can be given either at the exhibition or by returning the enclosed reply slip.

ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT

Extensive environmental assessment has been an essential part of the studies and consultations carried out during the last seven years. In the July 1998 announcement the scheme was referred to as an 'exceptional environmental scheme'. The main environmental factors are:

· Placing the road in the 2km tunnel for the section closest to Stonehenge would remove the visual impact, noise and air pollution due to traffic from the monument.

· The tunnel would enable Stonehenge to be re-united with its surrounding landscape significantly enhancing its setting within the World Heritage Site.

· On-line dualling between the Amesbury bypass and Longbarrow crossroads would limit any impacts to the existing road corridor minimising the effect on the World Heritage Site and archaeology.

· The Winterbourne Stoke bypass would significantly reduce noise levels and improve air quality and the setting of the village.

· The proposed route for the Winterbourne Stoke bypass would have no impact on the Parsonage Down Site of Special Scientific Interest and National Nature Reserve and is designed to avoid archaeological sites west of the village.

· The River Till crossing would be designed in consultation with interested bodies to ensure that environmental impacts are minimised.

A detailed Environmental Impact Assessment will be carried out as part of the detailed design of the scheme and a full Environmental Statement will be published at the same time as the draft Statutory Orders.

JUNCTION PROVISION              Map (West)       

Three possible options to provide local access to Winterbourne Stoke from the bypass are illustrated in the diagrams below. The provision available in each case is summarised below.

Further details of these junction proposals will be available at the exhibition. If you wish to express any views on these proposals you may do so either at the exhibition or by returning the enclosed reply slip.

Details of alternative junction layouts at Longbarrow crossroads will also be shown at the exhibition and there will be an opportunity for you to express your views on these. Countess Roundabout is located at the eastern end of the scheme and junction arrangements here are under consideration linked to the Visitor Centre proposals. There will be an opportunity to comment.

    One junction at the east end of the village allowing westbound traffic to leave the bypass and eastbound traffic to join the bypass and a second junction at the west end of the village allowing westbound traffic to join the bypass and eastbound traffic to leave the bypass. Traffic joining and leaving the bypass would use the existing A303 into Winterbourne Stoke village.

EXHIBITION ARRANGEMENTS    [Amesbury, 15/16 Jan 99]

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?     

When comments received from the exhibition have been carefully considered the Secretary of State for Environment, Transport and the Regions will announce the preferred route for the scheme which will be developed in detail. Announcement of the preferred route will safeguard the line of the route from other development. It is anticipated that this announcement will be made later this year.

Once the design has been completed and draft Statutory Orders published, there will be further opportunity for comment or objection and a public inquiry may follow. The Statutory Orders are the legal documents that give the Secretary of State the power to acquire land and construct the scheme. If a public inquiry is held the Inspector will report and a formal decision to proceed, or otherwise, will be confirmed by the Secretary of State and the findings will be published. Land would then be acquired and construction would start.

The previous Public Consultation and Planning Conference and the present exhibition are in addition to any public inquiry which may be held. Any comment you make now will not affect your right to object at a later stage.

A New Deal for Trunk Roads in England envisages a start of construction within seven years, subject to statutory procedures, and opening within ten years.

 Map (West)                     Map (East)   

FURTHER INFORMATION

· Further copies of this brochure and the enclosed reply slip will be available at the exhibition. If you require any further information please write to Mark Arberry at the following address:

The Highways Agency
Project Services
Room 414
Tollgate House
Houlton Street Bristol
BS2 9DJ

or ring 0117 987 8991

Please return all comments and questionnaires to the Highways Agency by the end of February 1999.

D E T R An executive agency ot the Department of the Environment Transport and the Regions

Produced for The Highways Agency by HALCROW Group Ltd.

QUESTIONNAIRE

[Printable copy of the questionnaire included with the brochure:  side 1     side2   (60 + 32 KB)]

1. Do you have any comments on the proposed route of the Winterbourne Stoke Bypass?

2. Do you have a preference for any of the Winterbourne Stoke junction options?
Option 1.....  Option 2.....  Option 3.....

3. Do you have any other comments on the Winterbourne Stoke bypass?

4. Do you have any comments on the Longbarrow crossroads junction proposals?

5. Do you have any views on the Countess roundabout junction?

6. Do you have any other comments?

[Name........    Address.......... ]

Please fold and post the completed questionnaire to reach the Highways Agency by the end of February 1999.

DETR