Pub landlord told to tear down ‘Stonehenge’

A pub landlord who built his own “Stonehenge” using 35 tonnes of timber has been ordered to demolish his creation by the council, prompting villagers to start a petition against its destruction.

Charlie Newman, of the Square and Compass pub in Worth Matravers, Dorset, built the 12 foot homage to the ruins of Stonehenge in a nearby field as a “bit of fun” with friend Nick Gray, and because the felling of a nearby tree had presented the pair with the materials.

Built shortly before the summer solstice on 21 June taking just 12 hours to construct. Each of the 12 wooden plinths weighs about two-and-a-half tonnes and is topped with eight foot long trunks.

Newman was hoping it would remain standing for a “couple of years”. However while Newman’s “Woodhenge” has been largely welcomed by villagers, it has also attracted the attention of council planning officers.

Purbeck District Council has ordered the removal of the structure by 4 September who have ruled that it opposes planning laws.

While Newman has agreed to remove it, an online petition started by villagers keen for “the gorgeous” Woodhenge to remain has already attracted nearly 500 signatures.

“This beautiful structure not only draws people into the area but is loved by the majority of people in the village. Think of it as a piece of art, a slice of our history or just a beautiful part of the stunning local landscape. We can make a positive difference to the local area by petiitioning Purbeck District Council to allow it to stand for longer.”

A council spokesman said it would be checking to see that the structure had been removed in September.