The Countess Road Residents Group (CRRG) is concerned about the English Heritage proposal to site the Stonehenge Visitors Centre (VC) complex at the Countess East site between the A345 and the River Avon two miles from Stonehenge in a residential area and traffic hotspot.

This proposal is being vigorously opposed by the CRRG, which is campaigning for a comprehensive and unbiased evaluation of alternative sites. Our views are being presented through local and national government planning procedures, through liaison with involved organisations, and via local and national media.

The VC proposal runs concurrently with plans to upgrade the A303, of which the most substantial part is the construction of a tunnel past Stonehenge to remove sight and sound of the traffic from the Monument. The other two major parts of the road plan are a flyover at Countess Roundabout and a bypass for Winterbourne Stoke to the west of Stonehenge.

The road plans have been criticised nationally and internationally. The CRRG is concerned that the Countess Road flyover will produce an increase in noise and air pollution in a residential area. We and others feel that the enormous cost of the tunnel (£150M+) is not the best way to solve the problems of the A303 and the cost of the VC (£65M+) is an extravagance which will not produce the best solution. If you feel strongly, as we do, that there must be better solutions for this important National project, then please express your views in writing to:

Sir Neil Cossons OBE,
Chairman English Heritage,
23 Savile Row,
LONDON W1X 1AB.

For more information see the Current Proposal section.