ICOMOS UK position statement on Stonehenge at February 2000

The International Council on Monuments & Sites UK

Our World Heritage Committe had a full discussion on the Stonehenge situation at its meeting on 24th February, and members had before them copies of several representations from various bodies.

We were concerned that the presentation of the World Heritage Site should be improved and the following position statement was subsequently endorsed by the Executive Committee:

"ICOMOS UK supports, in principle, the general approach being adopted, subject to further evaluation of the details, and to a full Environmental Impact Assessment, which we would expect to form part of the Planning Process. The alternatives, including the long bored tunnel, would need to be assessed in equal terms."

We can see no practical value in Stonehenge being put on the World Heritage in Danger List, and we are not in favour of such a step.

Dr Philip Whitbourn, OBE Secretary