The application for a development consent order to build the scheme has been accepted by the Planning Inspectorate. You can view the application and register as an interested party between 8 December 2018 and 11 January 2019 on the the Planning Inspectorate’s website.
This is an important milestone as it signifies another step towards improving this vital route to the south west.
Highways England have also produced an explanatory booklet to help you understand the proposed scheme. It sets out the key elements on the scheme, reflecting its development since consultation, and will act as a guide to important information for those wanting to engage with the Planning Inspectorate’s examination of our proposals.
What’s next
The A303 improvement past Stonehenge is classified as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project and will be considered under the Planning Act 2008. Under the Act, applicants apply for a Development Consent Order (DCO) from the Secretary of State for Transport.
Highways England submitted the DCO application on 19 October 2018 to the Planning Inspectorate who accepted it on 16 November 2018. The Inspectorate will now arrange a detailed examination of the application, in which stakeholders and the public can participate, before making a recommendation to the Secretary of State who will make the final decision on the scheme proceeding.
More details about the examination process can be found on the Planning Inspectorate’s website.
Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 2013 | A303 feasibility study announced as part of the Autumn Statement |
| 2014 | Scheme included in the Roads Investment Strategy |
| 2015-2016 | Route options assessed |
| 12 January to 5 March 2017 | Non-statutory consultation on route options |
| September 2017 | Preferred route announced |
| 8 February to 23 April 2018 | Statutory consultation on proposed scheme |
| 17 July to 14 August 2018 | Supplementary consultation |
| 19 October 2018 | Development consent order application submitted |
| 16 November 2018 | Development consent order accepted for examination |
| Early 2019 | Begin public examination |
| 2021 (planned) | Start work on site |