DfT calls in Pinsent Masons for Stonehenge judicial review

The Department for Transport has appointed law firm Pinsent Masons to provide legal support in relation to the judicial review challenge over government plans to build a dual carriageway beneath the Stonehenge World Heritage Site.

The claimant, Save Stonehenge World Heritage Site, has so far raised £31,564 towards a £50,000 stretch target via Crowd Justice.

It argues that the £1.7 billion project for the A303 between Amesbury and Berwick Down would cause "massive and irreparable damage" to the archaeology and landscape in violation of the UK's international commitments to safeguard Stonehenge for future generations.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps gave the green light for the A303 upgrade last month. According to the Transport Secretary, the project will unlock congestion and transform journeys for millions of people using the A303 between the South East and the South West.

Pinsents’ £150,000 contract with the DfT begins on 18 December and runs until 17 December 2022. The appointment was made via a call off from a framework agreement.

The claimant is being advised by Leigh Day.