Ernie Clark. Hilperton Division, Wiltshire Council.

A decision for common sense and the general public.

A planning inspector has ruled that byways surrounding Stonehenge will remain open.

The decision follows inquiries into proposals to close the byways as well as part of the A344. The inspector decided that although the road between Airman's Corner and Stonehenge will close, the byways should remain open.

English Heritage plans to return the area to grass as part of plans for a new visitors’ centre.

Planning inspector Alan Boyland said:

'I accept that Wiltshire has a considerably greater length of byways than any other county. This is not however, in itself, a reason for allowing a further loss for recreational motor vehicle users. In this case, the loss of a further 7km, particularly given the strategic importance of those routes, and without similar alternative routes being available, would in my view be significantly detrimental to the current users.'

The new visitor centre has got planning permission and despite funding problems English Heritage hopes the it can be completed by 2013.