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SunshineGirl II thought the tunnel proposal had been rejected?
"The project was initially given approval by former transport secretary Grant Shapps in November 2020, against the Planning Inspectorate’s recommendation, but this was overturned by the High Court who ruled that his decision was “unlawful”.
The DCO went back to the transport secretary for “re-determination” who requested more carbon detail. This resulted in National Highways re-working the DCO application to meet tighter requirements.
The secretary of state has now considered the updated High Court judgement, the Planning Inspectorate’s report, the representations made in response to the Statement of Matters, the representations submitted in response to the Secretary of State’s subsequent consultations in the redetermination process and late representations which were received outside of the formal consultations during the redetermination period.
He has decided to give the go-ahead for the scheme.
The Department for Transport’s letter confirming the DCO approval states: “In reaching his decision, the secretary of state has considered the need case for the proposed development and other potential benefits and impacts of the proposed development, including harm to the World Heritage Site’s Outstanding Universal Value (OUV), potential alternatives and all other relevant matters.
“In the secretary of state’s judgment any harm to heritage assets, including the OUV, is less than substantial and this harm (whilst carrying great weight), along with the other harms identified, are outweighed by the benefits of the proposed development.”
A claim for judicial review must be made to the High Court during the period of six weeks beginning with the day after the day on which the decision letter is published.
