I read your article regarding the A303 problems with great interest.
You state that a team of Independent Planning Inspectors, appointed by the government, have scrutinised, and checked the scheme, and as a result, have recommended that it should not go ahead. One of the reasons is that it would conflict with Wiltshire Council’s Planning Core Strategy.
However, in another article you reported that Wiltshire Councillors had met and approved the scheme. How can they do this if it’s contrary to their own policy?
The council leader is quoted as saying “he saw it as a solution to the “horrendous” traffic in villages around the A303.” This is the same council that closed the A344 against the advice of their own local council officers who had advised them it would cause rat running through the villages. As a consequence, Shrewton is now besieged with traffic nearly every day.
I wonder whose views Wiltshire councillors are representing. English Heritage? Central government? Certainly not the local residents that will have to live with the consequences.
We cannot blame the planners this time.
John Armstrong, Hanging Langford.
Cllr Bridget Wayman, Wiltshire Council Cabinet Member for Highways, said: “After many years of planning and lobbying by our dedicated officers and members, we’re delighted consent has been granted for the A303 Stonehenge project. The project represents a significant investment in Wiltshire that will boost the south-west economy, unlocking jobs and investment throughout the entire region.
“It will also help to improve life for local communities, reducing rat-running through local villages and making it safer and easier for local people to go about their daily lives.
“People will still be able to enjoy a free view of the stones on the route of the current A303, which will be created into a new dedicated public right of way for walkers, cyclists and horse riders to enjoy without the sight and sounds of the busy road.
“We are looking forward to the scheme bringing myriad benefits to Wiltshire and the south west.”