Unesco officials have recommended adding Stonehenge, the ancient monument in Wiltshire, to the list of world heritage sites "in danger" due to plans for a nearby road tunnel. The tunnel, part of a project to ease traffic on the A303, has raised concerns that it would compromise the integrity of the Stonehenge landscape.
The two-mile tunnel project, backed by the UK government and National Highways, aims to remove sight and sounds of traffic and reduce journey times. However, various groups including archaeologists, environmentalists, and historians argue that the scheme would damage the prehistoric site.
The proposal will be discussed at Unesco's World Heritage Committee meeting in New Delhi from July 21 to 31. The Stonehenge Alliance and other campaigners are opposing the tunnel, advocating instead for public transport improvements to manage traffic, preserving the site's visibility and heritage.
Unesco's draft decision points to the threat the tunnel poses to the Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) of Stonehenge, which has been a world heritage site since 1986. The decision will be pivotal in determining the future protection and conservation strategies for the site.