... somewhat heavily spun because, as I understand it, English Heritage were actually seeking permission to go ahead regardless of the decision on the A303.

Their original plan depended upon the A303 2.1km tunnel scheme being approved (which it hasn't been), so they were stuck and appealed to the Secretary of State in the hope of getting that stipulation removed.

All Kelly's done is restate the existing position - no approval for the published road scheme = no visitor centre.

Here's the specific extract of the text of the decision (PDF available via this government website):

The development hereby permitted shall not commence until the Government has approved a scheme for the improvement of the A303 at Stonehenge as set out in the published Stonehenge Improvement Order 2000 and comprising the following elements:

* A flyover at Countess Roundabout;
* A 2.1 km bored tunnel;
* A bypass round Winterbourne Stoke;
* Junction improvements at Longbarrow Crossroads.

- and a timetable for implementation of the works and a date for commencement has been announced by the Government.

So that'll be another long delay then.
--
simon