The government has moved towards revoking the development consent that granted permission for a controversial tunnel under Stonehenge. Plans to build eight miles of dual carriageway, including the two-mile tunnel, were approved under the Conservative government in July 2023, but Chancellor Rachel Reeves withdrew funding for the £2bn project last summer as part of a series of cutbacks, reports the Salisbury Journal.

The Department for Transport is now consulting on revoking the Development Consent Order (DCO) that initially gave the go-ahead to the proposals. National Highways said the scheme would cut congestion and “restore the tranquil environment” of Stonehenge – but campaigners argued it would have a “dire” impact on the World Heritage site.

The government published the consultation on Wednesday and said that it will ‘consider responses before determining next steps’.

A Department for Transport spokesperson said:

“Given the challenging financial picture we inherited, we had to make difficult decisions about a number of road projects as they were unfunded or unaffordable.

“We remain committed to investing in projects that deliver for the taxpayer and drive growth, which is why we are investing nearly £5 billion in this year alone on our Strategic Road Network to support its maintenance, enhancement, and ensure smoother journeys.”

(Pic: National Highways)