Since the idea was first considered eight years ago, there have been two plans, two reviews and widespread criticism from MPs, English Heritage and local activists. One group, Save Stonehenge, says that the plan would be “like drawing a moustache on the Mona Lisa or drilling a bolt hole through the neck of the Venus de Milo”.

Under the proposals, one of the single carriageway sections would be widened and a tunnel of just under 1½ miles would be built underneath.

The tunnel was originally estimated to cost £125 million, but last July a review was announced after a report found that this had risen by hundreds of millions of pounds because of high levels of soft chalk and high water table in the area. It is now £470 million.

Stephen Ladyman, the Transport Minister, said: “Our recognition of the importance of Stonehenge remains unchanged, but given the scale of the cost increase we have to re-examine whether the scheme still represents value for money.”A 13-week public consultation begins today.

Conservation groups have also expressed concern that contractors are re-examining plans to put the new road in a cheaper “cut and cover” tunnel or on bypasses to the north and south instead of the bored tunnel.

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