Stonehenge Visitor Facilities and Access Scheme
Planning Supporting Statement and Statement of Community Consultation
August 2004
ENGLISH HERITAGE Stonehenge Visitor Facilities and Access Scheme
Planning Supporting Statement
August 2004
ENGLISH HERITAGE English Heritage
STONEHENGE VISITOR FACILITIES AND ACCESS SCHEME
Planning Supporting Statement
August 2004
Approved by: D Watkins
Signed: ……………………………...
Position: Associate Technical Director
Date: 18 August 2004
CHRIS BLANDFORD ASSOCIATES
Environment Landscape Planning - 1 -
STONEHENGE VISITOR FACILITIES AND ACCESS SCHEME PLANNING SUPPORTING STATEMENT ______
CONTENTS
1.0 INTRODUCTION
2.0 THE NEED FOR THE SCHEME
3.0 THE PROPOSALS
4.0 PLANNING POLICY COMPLIANCE
FIGURES
1. Illustrated Plan of the New Visitor Centre and Access Scheme
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STONEHENGE VISITOR FACILITIES AND ACCESS SCHEME PLANNING SUPPORTING STATEMENT ______
1.0 INTRODUCTION
The Scheme
1.1 English Heritage is applying to Salisbury District Council for planning permission to undertake the following works that together comprise the Stonehenge Visitor Facilities and Access Scheme:
x Construction of a New Visitor Centre with parking facilities located outside the World Heritage Site (WHS) east of Countess Road (A345), north of Amesbury;
x Construction of a track to provide dispersed access by Land Trains from the New Visitor Centre to archaeological sites and monuments within the WHS;
x Decommissioning and removal of the existing visitor facilities and car park at the Stonehenge monument, and their replacement with an operations facility concealed underground;
x Decommissioning of the A344 between its junction with the A360 at Airman’s Corner and the entrance to the existing car park at the Stonehenge monument, and works to re-model the A344 road bed between Fargo Plantation and the existing car park;
The Scheme is illustrated on Figure 1.
The Planning Application Area
1.2 The Planning Application Area within the redline encompasses approximately 396, 782m2 (c.39.7ha), of which approximately 244,159m2 (c.24.4ha) relates to the New Visitor Centre site comprising agricultural land. English Heritage owns the freehold of the site, including residential properties along Countess Road (Numbers 14, 16, 18 and 48a).
1.3 The majority of the agricultural land over which the 3.7km Land Train route corridor crosses is owned by The National Trust as part of the Trust’s Stonehenge Estate, with the exception of Ministry of Defence land in the Durrington Farm area.
1.4 The existing English Heritage operated visitor facilities at Stonehenge are situated on land leased from The National Trust. The Stonehenge monument and a 30 hectare triangle of land surrounding it is managed by English Heritage, and largely owned by the Department for
11083101_Planning Statement_18-08-04.doc (partially)
LAND TRAIN TRANSIT SYSTEM
VISITOR CENTRE DECOMMISSIONING OF EXISTING PARTIAL FACILITIES RESTORATION OF THE A344 STONEHENGE
FIGURE 1 Illustrative Plan of the New Visitor Centre and Access Scheme
NEW VISITOR CENTRE AND ACCESS TO THE STONEHENGE WORLD HERITAGE SITE LANDSCAPE - 3 -
STONEHENGE VISITOR FACILITIES AND ACCESS SCHEME PLANNING SUPPORTING STATEMENT ______
Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) with a small strip of land adjacent to Byway 12 owned by The National Trust.
1.5 Land immediately to the north and south of the A344 corridor between Airman’s Corner and Byway 12 is owned by two private land owners and The National Trust.
The Planning Application
1.6 This Planning Supporting Statement is provided in support of English Heritage’s planning application for the Scheme. The Statement sets out the planning policy context, confirming that the application complies with all relevant development plan policies and supplementary planning guidance, as well as with current national planning policy.
1.7 The planning application is supported by a number of documents to be taken into consideration by the local planning authority; these describe the Scheme and provide assessments of how planning, environmental, transport and design issues associated with the proposals have been addressed. The following documents comprise the planning application:
x Planning Application Area Plan (the ‘redline’ plan) x Planning Supporting Statement (this document) x Environmental Statement x Transport Assessment x Travel Plan x Design Statement x Planning Application Drawings
1.8 The application is also supported by the following document:
x Statement of Community Consultation
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STONEHENGE VISITOR FACILITIES AND ACCESS SCHEME PLANNING SUPPORTING STATEMENT ______
2.0 THE NEED FOR THE SCHEME
2.1 Stonehenge is one of the most important and most frequently visited monuments in Britain. It is also an international icon, and attracts visitors from all over the world. The outstanding universal value of the megalithic Stonehenge monument is recognised by its inscription, together with Avebury, onto the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1986 as the Stonehenge, Avebury and Associated Sites WHS. A number of associated sites close to Stonehenge are included in the Stonehenge WHS – such as the Cursus, Woodhenge and Durrington Walls.
2.2 Despite the international importance and visitor appeal of Stonehenge, the inadequacy of the visitor facilities and poor presentation of the site have been a concern for a long time. It is widely acknowledged that the existing refreshment, interpretative and parking facilities at Stonehenge are poorly designed, insensitively located and inadequate for a WHS. In 1993, the National Audit Office described the existing visitor facilities at Stonehenge as: ‘cramped, outdated and too small to deal with the 800,000 who visit the site each year’. These sentiments were echoed by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) UK in their 1995 The English World Heritage Sites Monitoring Reports, who added their concerns about the damage and disturbance to the setting of Stonehenge caused by the A303. In 1993, the Public Accounts Committee of the House of Commons described the presentation of the Site as a ‘national disgrace’.
2.3 Presently, the majority of visitors focus their visit or attention on Stonehenge. First impressions of the WHS as a whole are poor due to the visual intrusion of the car park and related facilities, and traffic on the A344 and A303 roads which pass close to the Stonehenge monument, severing it from the surrounding landscape. Public awareness of access opportunities provided by The National Trust to the other archaeological sites and the wider landscape of the WHS is restricted by the current agricultural land use arrangements and limited signage. Only a relatively small number of visitors currently experience views of the Stonehenge monument in its wider landscape setting, which precludes understanding of the complex relationship between Stonehenge and the surrounding monuments.
2.4 The Stonehenge WHS Management Plan published in 2000 seeks to address these concerns by setting out a policy framework for the long-term management of the WHS.
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STONEHENGE VISITOR FACILITIES AND ACCESS SCHEME PLANNING SUPPORTING STATEMENT ______
The key aim of the Management Plan is to help ensure the preservation of Stonehenge and its associated historic environment for future generations. It includes objectives for improving visitor provision and enhancing the presentation of the site. These and other objectives will be realised through specific projects, the most important of which is The Stonehenge Project. Formerly known as the Stonehenge Master Plan, The Stonehenge Project has three major components:
(i) The English Heritage Stonehenge Visitor Facilities and Access Scheme, which is the subject of this Planning Application;
(ii) The National Trust Stonehenge Estate Land Use Plan published in 2001 in support of the Stonehenge WHS Management Plan objectives, which describes detailed proposals for extended grassland around Stonehenge;
(iii) The Highways Agency A303 Stonehenge Improvement Scheme which includes placement of the A303 in a tunnel through the central area of the WHS, the decommissioning and restoration of the A344 between the A303 and the existing car park at the Stonehenge monument, and provision of a flyover at Countess Roundabout. The Scheme also includes a by-pass for Winterbourne Stoke, west of the WHS.
2.5 The DCMS, English Heritage, The National Trust, the Department for Transport and the Highways Agency, confirmed their commitment to The Stonehenge Project in 1999 by issuing the following joint mission statement with Salisbury District Council and Wiltshire County Council: ‘To restore the dignity and isolation of Britain’s greatest prehistoric monument, and enable people to enjoy and appreciate it fully by:
x Removing the visual impact and noise of roads and traffic from the vicinity of the Stones;
x Reuniting Stonehenge and its surrounding monuments in their natural chalk downland landscape setting;
x Creating the conditions for improved biodiversity with flowers, butterflies, birds and insects flourishing;
x Providing improved access, enabling people to roam freely and at no cost throughout the World Heritage Site;
x Building a new world-class visitor centre outside the World Heritage Site at Countess East’.
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STONEHENGE VISITOR FACILITIES AND ACCESS SCHEME PLANNING SUPPORTING STATEMENT ______
3.0 THE PROPOSALS
The Scheme Selection and Options Appraisal Process
3.1 The environmental effects of a wide range of alternative visitor centre site locations and access route options have been considered as an integral part of the Scheme design. English Heritage recognised that the need to carefully examine alternatives was essential in light of the environmental sensitivity of the WHS.
3.2 The Environmental Statement presents the results of a detailed appraisal of the main alternatives considered, and explains the process by which a site for the New Visitor Centre, the Land Train route and related access arrangements have been chosen
3.3 The proposed location of visitor facilities and parking at the site east of Countess Road, outside the WHS boundary, is in line with the specific requirements of the Management Plan. The visitor centre site options appraisal process demonstrated that alternative sites outside the WHS are limited due to a range of significant environmental, planning and transportation constraints.
3.4 A dispersed Land Train route with multiple Drop-offs has been selected following a detailed options appraisal process, as it allows the impacts of visitors on the landscape to be sustainably managed in accordance with the objectives of the Management Plan. The Land Train route and Drop-off areas can be largely concealed from the sensitive central area, within the visual setting of the Stonehenge monument and immediately related ceremonial monuments, through the screening afforded by local topography, existing trees and woodlands; enhanced where necessary by limited additional planting.
The New Visitor Centre
3.5 The New Visitor Centre would be located near the town of Amesbury, approximately 3.3km to the east of the Stonehenge monument, and outside the WHS. It would be situated on agricultural land to the north and east of the junction of the A303(T) and the A345 Countess Road. The New Visitor Centre would replace the existing inadequate and intrusive visitor facility located adjacent to the Stonehenge monument.
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STONEHENGE VISITOR FACILITIES AND ACCESS SCHEME PLANNING SUPPORTING STATEMENT ______
3.6 Using archaeological finds, inter-active displays and multi-media presentations, the centre would provide interpretation of the Stonehenge WHS, with dedicated facilities for schools and other educational groups. It would also provide a high quality shop and café, tourist information, visitor amenities, administrative and operations accommodation and a boarding area for the Land Train Transit System.
3.7 The two 33kV power lines that cross the site along the line of the former military railway would be diverted underground as part of this Planning Application. Parking would be provided at the Countess East site for cars, motorcycles, coaches and mini buses, with a separate area for staff parking. Cycle parking facilities would also be provided, and a cycle and pedestrian route would give direct access to the WHS without the requirement to first pass through the New Visitor Centre building.
3.8 Vehicular access to the site would be via an extension to the existing Countess Services’ slip road from the eastbound lane of the A303. Egress is via an exit-only give way junction onto the A345 Countess Road, providing access back onto the A303 via eastbound and westbound slip roads off Countess Roundabout. Three properties on Countess Road owned by the Applicant would require demolition to enable the egress road to be constructed.
The Land Train Transit System
3.9 The proposed transit system would transport visitors in Land Trains from the New Visitor Centre on a dedicated route through the WHS, to primary Drop-off points at Durrington Farm and near to King Barrows Ridge, with intermediate Drop-off points for Woodhenge and at the eastern end of the Cursus. From these Drop-off points, visitors would be able to walk the final distance to the Stonehenge monument or choose to explore other archaeological sites and monuments in the wider landscape.
3.10 Electric wheelchairs would be provided at the Durrington Farm Drop-off, giving assisted access along Byway 12 to the Stonehenge monument for those visitors who are unable to walk. A limited number of electric wheelchairs would also be provided at the King Barrow Ridge Drop-off. These would give assistance to visitors who are unable to walk the short distance to a viewing area on the ridge, which provides extensive views of Stonehenge and its associated monuments in their landscape setting.
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STONEHENGE VISITOR FACILITIES AND ACCESS SCHEME PLANNING SUPPORTING STATEMENT ______
Decommissioning and Removal of the Existing Visitor Facilities
3.11 The existing visitor facilities and car park at the Stonehenge monument would be decommissioned and removed, and the landscape restored to grassland. Only a small discrete operations centre would remain, concealed from the Stonehenge monument underground within the footprint of the current facilities.
Decommissioning of the A344
3.12 The A344 between its junction with the A360 at Airman’s Corner and the entrance to the existing car park at the Stonehenge monument would be decommissioned and closed to public vehicles. The road bed between Fargo Plantation to the car park entrance would be remodelled and reduced in width to leave a narrow track. Between the existing car park and the junction with the A303, the A344 would be restored to grassland under the A303 Stonehenge Improvement scheme promoted by the Highways Agency, which would also remove the A303 from within sight of the Stonehenge monument by placing it in a bored tunnel.
3.13 A more detailed description of the above elements of the Scheme can be found in the Environmental Statement (Section 2.0).
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STONEHENGE VISITOR FACILITIES AND ACCESS SCHEME PLANNING SUPPORTING STATEMENT ______
4.0 PLANNING POLICY COMPLIANCE
Development Plan Policies
4.1 The Scheme is compliant with the Wiltshire County Structure Plan. The Scheme complies with policies to protect the Stonehenge WHS from inappropriate development, and is supported by the Plan’s encouragement for appropriately designed and located facilities to enable visitors to gain a full appreciation of the Site’s heritage. The Structure Plan stresses that the tourism industry in Wiltshire is based on its outstanding historic and natural heritage, and acknowledges that visitors from home and abroad demand better facilities. The provision of improved visitor facilities for Stonehenge is therefore supported by the Structure Plan.
4.2 The Scheme is compliant with the Salisbury District Local Plan. Support for the Scheme is provided by Policy T3 of the Salisbury District Local Plan, which states: ‘It is proposed that a new visitor centre will be provided for the Stonehenge World Heritage Site.’ The Scheme also complies with other policies of the Local Plan with respect to General Development policies, Conservation policies, Rural and Natural Environment policies, Transportation policies, Sport, Recreation and Leisure Policies and Tourism Policies. Importantly, the Scheme is also compliant with the Local Plan’s Design policies, which seek to: ‘encourage excellence, innovation and creativity in design, in all development proposals’.
Supplementary Planning Guidance
4.3 The Scheme is compliant with the Stonehenge WHS Management Plan and the 1999 Planning Brief for a New Visitor Centre for Stonehenge at Countess Road East. Both these documents have been approved as Supplementary Planning Guidance to guide the development of the Scheme design. Together these documents provide the overall objectives and specific development and conservation criteria that the Scheme is expected to meet. Both the Management Plan and the Planning Brief state that the New Visitor Centre should be located outside the boundary of the WHS; the Planning Brief specifically identifies the site location to the east of the Countess Road, within specified boundaries.
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STONEHENGE VISITOR FACILITIES AND ACCESS SCHEME PLANNING SUPPORTING STATEMENT ______
(i) Stonehenge World Heritage Site Management Plan
4.4 The Management Plan contains a number of relevant objectives dealing with the need to improve provision for visitors and enhance the presentation of the WHS. They are:
x ‘To interpret the outstanding universal value of the whole WHS to increase understanding and conservation of the cultural assets and to promote the importance of the heritage resources for public enjoyment, education and academic research’ (Objective 3).
x ‘The appropriate landscape setting for the Stones and immediately related ceremonial monuments in the core should be restored’ (Objective 9).
x ‘A new world-class visitor centre should be secured to act as a gateway to Stonehenge, to improve the visitor experience and to encourage the dispersal of visitors around the whole WHS’ (Objective 18).
x ‘Arrangements for managed open access on foot within the core WHS zone should be provided’ (Objective 19).
x ‘Access and circulation to other key sites within the WHS landscape should be improved to relieve pressure around the Stones and increase public awareness’ (Objective 20).
x ‘Interpretation should be improved to enhance visitor enjoyment and appreciation of Stonehenge and the whole of the WHS’ (Objective 21).
x ‘Measures should be identified which will provide comprehensive treatment of important road links within the WHS in order to reduce traffic movements and congestion, improve safety and enhance the historic environment’ (Objective 23).
4.5 The Scheme has been designed to achieve these objectives. It is also consistent with other aims and objectives that need to be implemented to deliver the overall vision set by the Management Plan for the Site as a whole. A more detailed assessment of how the Scheme supports the Management Plan’s vision and objectives with regards to improving provision for visitors and enhancing presentation of the WHS can be found in the Environmental Statement (Section 16.0).
(ii) 1999 Planning Brief for a New Visitor Centre for Stonehenge at Countess East
4.6 The Planning Brief (1999) was produced with reference to the development plan policies of Salisbury District Council and Wiltshire County Council. The Scheme has been guided by the 28 detailed planning criteria set out in the Planning Brief in relation to the scope, design, function and security of the New Visitor Centre, assessment and mitigation of environmental impacts, and transport to and from the Centre including the Land Train Transit System.
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4.7 The Design Statement submitted with the Planning Application outlines the innovative approach to the provision of ‘…a visitor experience of the highest quality to replace the existing inadequate facilities’ (para 7.1 criteria iii), and a scheme that is ‘…sensitive and of high quality’ (para 7.1 criteria v) which incorporates ‘…design mitigation measures to ensure that the neighbouring residential properties are respected’ (para 7.1 criteria iv). Furthermore, in line with the Planning Brief requirements, the design of the proposed transit link minimises both ‘the level of built development within the World Heritage Site’ (para 7.2 criteria iv) and ‘the visual impact of the link on the designated Special Landscape Area and, in particular, the immediate and wider setting of the Stonehenge monument within the World Heritage Site’ (para 7.2 criteria ii).
Sustainability
4.8 The Scheme is compliant with national, regional and local sustainability objectives and current best practice. The achievement of a sustainable development has been at the heart of the project. The Design Statement and Environmental Statement submitted with the Planning Application demonstrate the considerable emphasis placed on sustainable design, construction and operation of the Scheme. The entire Scheme has been designed on the basis of environmentally sustainable design principles, guided by national and regional good practice advice on sustainable design and construction. In particular, the Scheme has fully taken into account the following key sources of regional good practice guidance:
x Future Foundations: Building a Better South West – A Sustainable Construction Charter for the Region (Sustainability South West); x A Sustainable Future for the South West: A Regional Sustainable Development Framework for the South West of England (South West Regional Assembly/Sustainability South West).
4.9 A detailed sustainability appraisal of the Scheme against the advice set out in the above good practice guidance can be found in the Design Statement (Appendix A). In a number of respects, the Scheme has developed innovative design approaches that could become future good practice for other projects of this type within environmentally sensitive locations.
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STONEHENGE VISITOR FACILITIES AND ACCESS SCHEME PLANNING SUPPORTING STATEMENT ______
Environmental Effects
4.10 The Scheme is compliant with environmental policy objectives as set out in the development plan and national policy. The Environmental Statement submitted with the Planning Application concluded that the Scheme would deliver substantial conservation benefits through its significant contribution to both The Stonehenge Project’s key aim of reuniting the Stonehenge monument with its landscape, and to delivering improvements for the presentation of the WHS as a whole. The Scheme would also deliver major improvements to visitor management through the provision of a high quality New Visitor Centre outside the WHS, and by encouraging wider visitor access to, and appreciation of, related ceremonial monuments in the wider landscape. The New Visitor Centre would replace the existing facilities with a higher quality and sympathetic development designed to respect the local landscape character, nature conservation and the amenity of local residents. The proposed creation of new habitats and the improved management of existing areas of ecological value within and adjacent to the New Visitor Centre site would be a major benefit.
4.11 Where some adverse environmental effects are unavoidable as a result of the Scheme, these have been reduced as far as practicable through sensitive and sustainable design, construction and operational mitigation measures. The Scheme provides access to the centre of the WHS without creating new visible infrastructure close to Stonehenge itself. It also disperses access throughout the WHS, to the benefit of both public enjoyment and conservation. However, some residual adverse effects would be generated on elements of the environment outside the immediate area surrounding the Stonehenge monument as a consequence of striving to meet the overall objectives of improved access and interpretation within the WHS.
4.12 However, taking into account the proposed mitigation measures set out in the Environmental Statement, the substantial benefits to the WHS for visitor facilities, access and presentation of the Site would outweigh the disbenefits. These disbenefits do not have significant adverse effects on the outstanding universal value of the WHS, nor on archaeological sites of national or international significance. Importantly, the proposed mitigation measures set out in the Environmental Statement would ensure that potential significant adverse effects on the local community are minimised as far as practicable.
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4.13 The benefits of the Scheme would complement the environmental objectives of the A303 Stonehenge Improvement scheme - which is intended to remove roads and traffic from around Stonehenge - and the proposals for extending grassland restoration set out in the National Trust’s Stonehenge Estate Land Use Plan.
Traffic and Transport
4.14 The Scheme is compliant with transport policy objectives as set out in the development plan and national policy. The Transport Assessment submitted with the Planning Application demonstrates that with the Highways Agency’s proposed Countess Roundabout flyover in place, traffic generated by the New Visitor Centre could be more than adequately accommodated within the highway network, both now and in the future. Off-site highway improvements required as a result of the New Visitor Centre are limited to minor modifications to Countess Road at the exit of the site and to the junction of the A344 with the A360 at Airman’s Corner. The Transport Assessment has shown that the New Visitor Centre can be accessed by a range of sustainable transport modes and would not result in a detrimental impact on the adjacent network. The Assessment has also shown that the proposed car and coach parking provision would be sufficient to accommodate the predicted traffic levels. Overall, the Transport Assessment concludes that the proposals are acceptable in transportation terms.
4.15 A Travel Plan for the New Visitor Centre has also been prepared and submitted with the Planning Application. The Travel Plan sets out a range of ‘green’ transport options and measures to encourage the use of sustainable travel modes for both visitors and staff. The Travel Plan demonstrates that the Scheme can be operated sustainably in transport terms within the context of the site’s location.
Consultation
4.16 The Scheme design has incorporated, as far as practically possible, the views and requirements of a wide range of stakeholders and communities of interest. As documented in the Statement of Community Consultation and Environmental Statement, proactive and open consultations have been undertaken with representatives of the local community, statutory bodies and other stakeholder groups throughout the project.
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4.17 These consultations have helped to ensure that potential issues of concern were taken into consideration in the design of the Scheme to this stage. English Heritage is committed to on- going consultations with all relevant stakeholders during the detailed design and implementation of the Scheme.
Summary and Conclusions
4.18 The provision of enhanced facilities for the management of visitors to Stonehenge is an established use within the WHS that is supported by Development Plan policies. The Scheme accords with the full range of relevant planning, environmental, transport and design policies contained within the Wiltshire Structure Plan and the Salisbury District Local Plan, and is in line with approved Supplementary Planning Guidance (both the Stonehenge World Heritage Site Management Plan and the 1999 Planning Brief for a New Visitor Centre for Stonehenge at Countess Road East). The Scheme can demonstrate that due regard has also been given to meeting relevant International and European policy requirements. Furthermore, the proposal is consistent with Government policy as set out in current national planning policy guidance.
4.19 On the basis of a widely acknowledged need for improved visitor facilities at Stonehenge, and taking into account the compliance of the Scheme with all relevant policy objectives and technical planning considerations, this planning application is commended to Salisbury District Council for approval.
11083101_Planning Statement_18-08-04.doc Stonehenge Visitor Facilities and Access Scheme
Statement of Community Consultation
August 2004
ENGLISH HERITAGE English Heritage
STONEHENGE VISITOR FACILITIES AND ACCESS SCHEME
Statement of Community Consultation
August 2004
Approved by: D Watkins
Signed: ……………………………...
Position: Associate Technical Director
Date: 18 August 2004
CHRIS BLANDFORD ASSOCIATES
Environment Landscape Planning STONEHENGE VISITOR FACILITIES AND ACCESS SCHEME STATEMENT OF COMMUNITY CONSULTATION ______
CONTENTS
1.0 INTRODUCTION
2.0 CONSULTATION PROCESS & ACITIVITIES
3.0 PRE-APPLICATION CONSULTATIONS
4.0 POST-APPLICATION CONSULTATION
5.0 SUMMARY
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1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background
1.1.1 English Heritage is the statutory body with responsibility for all aspects of protecting and promoting the historic environment in England.
1.1.2 English Heritage is seeking planning consent to implement the Stonehenge Visitor Facilities and Access Scheme. The Scheme comprises the provision of a New Visitor Centre and car parking facilities at a site north and east of the Countess Roundabout, north of Amesbury, and the provision of a transit system to provide access into the landscape surrounding Stonehenge for visitors. The Scheme includes the decommissioning and removal of the existing visitor facilities and car park next to the Stonehenge monument and the decommissioning and re- modelling of the A344 between Airman’s Corner and the existing visitor car park.
1.1.3 This Statement of Community Consultation that has been prepared by English Heritage to accompany the Planning Application for the Scheme at the request of Salisbury District Council.
1.1.4 The preparation of a Statement of Community Consultation is not currently a statutory requirement, but is considered to be good practice in anticipation of the reformed planning system arrangements expected to come into effect through new legislation during 2004. One of the main principles that will underpin the new system is promoting effective community involvement in the planning system and decision-making processes, including greater consultation by developers at the pre-application stage.
1.2 The Statement
1.2.1 The statement summarises the wide ranging community consultation undertaken over the last 2/3 years during the development of the current proposals for the New Stonehenge Visitor Centre.
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1.2.2 The statement comprises:
x an outline of the consultation process and activities x a record of who was consulted, when they were consulted and how they were consulted x proposed arrangements for further consultation during the planning application determination period
1.2.3 Although not relevant to this Statement of Community Consultation, the Applicant has also consulted widely on the technical aspects of the proposals with the relevant statutory bodies as part of the formal Environmental Impact Assessment process. Further details of this consultation process are provided in the Environmental Statement that accompanies the Planning Application.
2.0 CONSULTATION PROCESS & ACITIVITIES
2.1 General
2.1.1 Since early 2001, the Applicant's Project Team has actively consulted with representatives of a wide range of local stakeholders with an interest in the proposals. These stakeholders included:
x Local residents (including Countess Road, Larkhill) x Local landowners and farmers x Members of Parliament x County Councillors x District Councillors x Town Councillors x Parish Councillors x World Heritage Site Committee/Advisory Forum x Local community, business and amenity/conservation groups
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STONEHENGE VISITOR FACILITIES AND ACCESS SCHEME STATEMENT OF COMMUNITY CONSULTATION ______
2.2 Aim of Consultation
2.2.1 The aim of the consultation process was to ensure that local stakeholders have an opportunity to consider and comment on the emerging proposals, to ensure that local community views were fully integrated into the scheme development process.
2.3 Activities
2.3.1 It was recognised from the outset that a range of opportunities would be required through which stakeholders could share their views. As a result, a number of consultation activities were undertaken including:
x Public meetings x Discussions and meetings with individual groups x Formal presentations to County, District, Town and Parish committee meetings x Accompanied site visits to view the proposed visitor centre site and discuss the new access arrangements x Press conferences and press statements x Local exhibition/road-show x Questionnaires
3.0 PRE-APPLICATION CONSULTATIONS
3.1 General
3.1.1 This section sets out the consultations that have been undertaken to date as part of the pre- application consultative process.
3.2 Meetings, Presentations & Discussions
Salisbury DC/Wiltshire CC Councillors
6 December 2001 - SDC, Salisbury 25 February 2003 - Presentation at Antrobus House, Amesbury 17 March 2003 - Preview of Public Information Exhibition, Stonehenge 11 September 2003 - Briefing for Cllr Brown, SDC, Salisbury
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12 September 2003 - Input into SDC Local Government Review, SDC, Salisbury 16 September 2003 - Site visit for Salisbury District Council members, Chief Executive, key officers, Leader of Council 22 December 2003 - Briefing on access for Cllr Judy Greville, Cllr Dave Healing 30 January 2004 - Presentation to members of SDC/WCC and relevant officers, Salisbury 14 July 2004 - Presentation to members and officers of WCC, Trowbridge
Town/Parish Councillors
6 December 2001 - Amesbury Baptist Church 15 November 2002 - Meeting with Amesbury Town Mayor, Amesbury 25 February 2003 - Presentation at Antrobus House, Amesbury 17 March 2003 - Preview of Public Information Exhibition, Stonehenge 2 September 2003 - Presentation to Amesbury Town Council meeting 13 January 2004 - Presentation evening for Amesbury Town Councillors, Amesbury
Members of Parliament
1 November 2002 - Meeting with Robert Key, Salisbury MP, Salisbury 24 January 2003 - Meeting with Robert Key, EH offices, Salisbury 28 March 2003 - Discussion with Robert Key at Public Information Exhibition, Salisbury 30 September 2003 - Meeting with Robert Key, Conservative office, Salisbury 22 December 2003 - Meeting with Robert Key, Conservative office, Salisbury 30 January 2004 - Robert Key attended WCC/SDC Councillors’ presentation inSalisbury 30 July 2004 - Meeting with Robert Key, EH Offices, Salisbury
World Heritage Site Committee / Advisory Forum
6 November 2002 - Antrobus House, Amesbury 22 November 2002 - Presentation at meeting, Antrobus House, Amesbury 4 February 2003 - Kings Arms, Amesbury 29 April 2003 - Antrobus House, Amesbury 16 September 2003 - Antrobus House, Amesbury 10 November 2003 - Antrobus House, Amesbury 16 December 2003 - Antrobus House, Amesbury
Ministry of Defence
November 2002 - Meeting with MoD 27 February 2003 - Presentation to Commandant and team, Larkhill Garrison
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STONEHENGE VISITOR FACILITIES AND ACCESS SCHEME STATEMENT OF COMMUNITY CONSULTATION ______
14 May 2003 - Presentation to Larkhill Archaeology Conservation Group, LarkhillGarrison 10 November 2003 - Meeting with MoD December 2003 - Meeting with MoD, Larkhill Garrison 21 January 2004 - Meeting with MoD and Agricultural Tenants, Westdown Camp 26 January 2004 - Meeting with MoD, Warminster 27 January 2004 - Meeting with MoD, Warminster 26 February 2004 - On-Site Meeting with MoD, Durrington Down Farm 3 June 2004 - Meeting with MoD, Warminster
Wiltshire Constabulary
7 April 2003 - Meeting with Police chiefs, EH offices, Amesbury 1 December 2003 - Latest plans sent to Wiltshire Police
Salisbury Tourism Partnership
18 September 2002 - Meeting with SDC representative, EH offices, Salisbury 25 October 2003 - Meeting with representatives, EH offices, Salisbury 5 December 2003 - Presentation to members, Salisbury Racecourse 12 November 2003 - Report on progress tabled at Control Group, Salisbury 14 January 2004 - Update to Control Group Meeting, Salisbury
Salisbury Museum
25 October 2002 - Meeting with Head of Museum, Salisbury 12 February 2003 - Meeting between EH Chief Executive and Director of Properties withsenior Museum representatives 26 March 2003 - Meeting between EH Director of Properties with senior Museumrepresentatives
Salisbury Civic Society
27 March 2003 - Presentation, Salisbury Museum, Salisbury
Wiltshire Patrons
27 May 2003 - Presentation to members, Salisbury
Special Interest Groups
6 December 2001 - Amesbury Baptist Church
Wiltshire Archaeological & Natural History Society
17 June 2002 - Devizes Museum 26 July 2003 - Week-long exhibition at WANHS annual event, Devizes
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STONEHENGE VISITOR FACILITIES AND ACCESS SCHEME STATEMENT OF COMMUNITY CONSULTATION ______
Council for British Archaeology
13 June 2002 - Stonehenge (site visit) 9 July 2002 - Presentation to CBA Conference
Institute of Field Archaeologists
12 June 2002 - Presentation to Executive Committee
ICOMOS
5 Dec 2001 - Presentation to WHS Committee 18 July 2002 - Stonehenge (site visit) 13 June 2003 - Stonehenge site visit and presentation
CABE
18 July 2002 - Stonehenge (site visit) 31 July 2002 - Presentation at CABE. London
Countess Road Residents/Countess Road Residents Group
6 December 2001 - Amesbury Baptist Church 10 June 2002 - Figheldean Village Hall, Countess Road 13-31 January 2003 - One-to-one meetings, private addresses, Countess Road 26 February 2003 - George Hotel, Amesbury 12 June 2003 - English Heritage Offices, Amesbury 18 July 2003 - Meeting with No.18a 22 July 2003 - Site visit/Meeting at English Heritage Offices, Amesbury 15 August 2003 - Meeting with No. 61 21 August 2003 - Minutes of 15/8 meeting sent to all Countess Road addresses 12 November 2003 - English Heritage Offices, Amesbury 10 December 2003 - Latest Countess East plans and other info sent to CRRG
Fargo Road Residents Group
12 March 2003 - Letters sent to all residents about new access proposals 16 April 2003 - Fargo Road, Larkhill 22 December 2003 - Fighledean Village Hall, Countess Road 19-30 January 2004 - One-to-one meetings with Fargo Road/Strangways residents
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STONEHENGE VISITOR FACILITIES AND ACCESS SCHEME STATEMENT OF COMMUNITY CONSULTATION ______
3.3 Press Conferences & Press Releases
3.3.1 A press conference was held at the Guildhall in Salisbury on 31 July 2002 to publicly launch the scheme following HLF Stage 1 funding approval.
3.3.2 A press release announcing the opening of a new Salisbury Project office was sent to the local media in November 2002.
3.3.3 Local press were invited to a preview of the Public Information Exhibition at Stonehenge on 17 March 2003 prior to its tour of the local area.
3.3.4 A press conference was called for the site visit of the minister for Media and Heritage, Lord McIntosh to Stonehenge on 18 September 2003. Local press were invited, along with local residents and officials.
3.3.5 A press release was sent to the Salisbury Journal in November 2003, confirming that there would be continued free access to Stonehenge in the future for local people.
3.4 Public Information Exhibitions
31 July – 7 Aug 2002
3.4.1 A week long staffed public information exhibition was held following the HLF funding launch. It took place at the Salisbury Guildhall and in a marquee at the Stonehenge site.
17 – 28 March 2003
3.4.2 A staffed mobile public information exhibition was held to inform the general public about the visitor and access plans to date. The exhibition toured Salisbury, Amesbury, Stonehenge, Woodhenge and a number of surrounding villages. Handout summaries of the plans were available.
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STONEHENGE VISITOR FACILITIES AND ACCESS SCHEME STATEMENT OF COMMUNITY CONSULTATION ______
11 – 14 March 2003
3.4.3 Visitor and access plans were displayed at the Antrobus Arms hotel, Amesbury as part of the Highways Agency draft Orders exhibition.
26 July – 2 Aug 2003
3.4.4 Visitor centre and access plans were displayed at Nursteed Primary School in Devizes, as part of the Wiltshire Archaeology Festival
18 September 2003
3.4.5 Panels explaining the visitor centre and access plans were displayed for the visit of Lord McIntosh at Antrobus House, Amesbury. Local residents and officials were invited.
15 – 16 November 2003
3.4.6 A manned display of the visitor centre and access plans was on show at the National Trust AGM in Portsmouth.
3.5 Stonehenge Newsletter
3.5.1 ‘Stonehenge Vision’ is a regular newsletter that outlines progress with plans for Stonehenge being developed by English Heritage, the National Trust and the Highways Agency. To date, eight issues of the ‘Stonehenge Vision’ have been published.
3.5.2 Originally, 19,000 copies of each issue were printed and distributed to the SP3 and SP4 postcodes around Stonehenge, informing the public of the proposals and providing an opportunity to express their views. It was also mailed to around 1000 interested individuals and groups. From issue seven, the distribution area has been widened. 38,000 copies of each issue are now printed and distributed to the SP1, SP2, SP3 and SP4 postcodes around Salisbury and Amesbury. It is also mailed to interested individuals and groups
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STONEHENGE VISITOR FACILITIES AND ACCESS SCHEME STATEMENT OF COMMUNITY CONSULTATION ______
3.6 Project Website
3.6.1 Key reports and the ‘Stonehenge Vision’ newsletter have been made available on the Stonehenge Project section of the English Heritage website at www.english- heritage.org.uk/stonehenge.
3.6.2 The site is updated with news and information on the Project, with a link to further background and latest information on the dedicated Stonehenge Project website at www.thestonehengeproject.org. An audio news and features section offers interviews on the latest developments in the Project.
4.0 POST-APPLICATION CONSULTATION
4.1 Planning Application Documentation
4.1.1 Copies of the full Environmental Statement will be available for purchase at a reasonable cost from the English Heritage Stonehenge Project Team - both as documents and on CD.
4.1.2 These reports will also be available for inspection via the project website www.thestonehengeproject.org.
4.1.3 A non-technical summary of the Environmental Statement/leaflets describing the Scheme will be circulated free of charge to households in the local area.
4.2 Further Stakeholder Consultation
4.2.1 The Project Team will continue to meet with representatives of the local authorities, statutory consultees, interest groups and town/parish councils during the planning application determination period and beyond. These meetings will involve formal presentations, for example to elected members of local authorities, and provide opportunities to discuss the proposals in more detail with English Heritage and the consultants.
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STONEHENGE VISITOR FACILITIES AND ACCESS SCHEME STATEMENT OF COMMUNITY CONSULTATION ______
5.0 SUMMARY
5.1 The Pre-application Consultation Process
5.1.1 There has been a considerable amount of community consultation undertaken in the preparation of the scheme proposals. The consultation process has sought to reflect good practice principles by being inclusive as possible, respecting the validity of all views raised by local stakeholders and, wherever possible, communicating to stakeholders how their comments and concerns have been addressed in the scheme design.
5.1.2 The community consultation process has been of considerable benefit in raising awareness of the scheme proposals locally, and was invaluable in providing feedback on local issues that have helped inform detailed design work.
5.2 Further Consultation
5.2.1 The Applicant is committed to a continued process of active consultation with all stakeholders during the Planning Application determination period and, subject to approval, as part of the construction and operation of the proposed New Stonehenge Visitor Centre.
11083101_SCC_08-04 PLANNING & ENVIRONMENTAL TEAM CONSULTANTS
Planning Advisors and EIA Co-ordinators - Chris Blandford Associates
Transport Planners - RPS Planning, Transport and Environment
Environmental Assessment Specialists - Chris Blandford Associates - Temple Environmental Consultants -SKM Anthony Hunts - Reading Agricultural Consultants - Great Western Enterprise - Wessex Archaeology
Legal Advisors - Norton Rose
DESIGN TEAM CONSULTANTS
Architects - Denton Corker Marshall Ltd
Structural, Civil and Transport Engineering - SKM Anthony Hunts with Consultants - Colin Buchanan and Partners
Building Services Engineering Consultants - Norman Disney and Young
Landscape Architects - Chris Blandford Associates
Quantity Surveyors - Davis Langdon & Everest - Mott Green & Wall (Engineering Services)
Interpretation Masterplanner - AEA Consulting
Disability Access Consultants - JMU Access Partnership
Property Advisor - DTZ Tie Lung
Client’s Project Manager - Gardner and Theobald Management Services
Planning Supervisor - Gardner and Theobald Planning Supervision
Market and Business Consultant - Locum Destination Consulting Group
Visitor Flow / Operations Consultants - Grant Leisure Group Limited
ENGLISH HERITAGE