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<p>National Highways conducted a comprehensive Heritage Impact Assessment in line
with relevant guidance at the time that the Development Consent Order application
was made, and this was considered to represent a thorough process by the delegates
of the most recent UNESCO Advisory Mission. The Heritage Impact Assessment made an
assessment of the proposed A303 scheme on all the known archaeological sites in Bow
Tie field, whether they were designated (i.e. scheduled monuments including Stonehenge,
the Avenue, and three barrows adjacent to the Avenue forming part of a round barrow
cemetery on Countess Farm: NHLE <a href="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1010140"
target="_blank">1010140</a>) or non-designated, and assessed the effect of the proposals
on the Outstanding Universal Value of the Stonehenge, Avebury and Associated Sites
World Heritage Site. The answer to the parliamentary question submitted on <a href="https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2022-12-07/HL4100"
target="_blank">20 December 2022</a> contains further information, including about
archaeological evaluation carried out to date.</p><p>The Avenue is protected as part
of a Scheduled Monument. The A303 scheme has been designed not to have a direct impact
on any Scheduled Monuments and to minimise adverse impacts on their setting. National
Highways will work with the National Trust to minimise the impact to heritage (such
as the archaeology and grassland) at Bow Tie Field which may be affected by future
compulsory acquisition as part of implementation of the proposed A303 scheme. The
scheme is currently with the Secretary of State for Transport for re-determination.
Since this is a live planning application, the Department cannot comment further.</p>
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