Highways England is consulting on proposals for a new road crossing of the River Thames connecting Kent and Essex.  Views are being sought on two potential locations, three crossing structures, and four route options. 

A scheme has been proposed that identifies a preferred crossing location (Location C), structure (bored tunnel), and route (Route 3). 

Responses to the consultation will inform the final recommendation to the Department for Transport.  The Government are expected to make an announcement on the final scheme later this year.

A motion was MOVED by Cllr Parker and SECONDED by Cllr Hirst to agree the recommendation in the report.

A vote was taken by a show of hands it was RESOLVED that:

1.1         To approve the Council’s response to the Lower Thames Crossing Route Consultation, as set out in Appendix A.

REASON FOR RECOMMENDATION

Brentwood Borough Council’s response to the consultation is set out at Appendix A.  The response broadly supports the need for a new crossing and is in favour of the crossing location, structure, and route proposed by Highways England. 

The Council’s response objects to Route 4 on the basis that it would have detrimental impacts on proposed strategic development allocations for new homes and jobs in the Borough, set out in the Brentwood Draft Local Plan.  The route would have negative impacts on nearby residents in West Horndon.  There are also concerns about the level of re-engineering required to existing infrastructure (such as the A127 and M25 junction 29) and the higher cost implications with no additional economic benefit.

The Council responded to the Lower Thames Crossing consultation held in 2013, at that time supporting Location A (Dartford) rather than Location C (further east, where a crossing is proposed now).  This response noted that Location C was preferred from a county-wide perspective because of economic benefits, connectivity improvements, access to labour markets and potential to facilitate regeneration across Thames Gateway.  However, Location A was preferred at that time because of the environmental and Green Belt impacts that alternative options would pose and concerns about the cost of required improvements to the existing road network and junctions.  The Council’s view has changed in 2016 because it is now clear that engineering solutions required to provide a crossing at Location A are complex and not cost effective.  There are also concerns about the vulnerability of the national road network in that location.  Evidence is now provided to suggest Location C will provide opportunities to improve local connections, relieve congestion at Dartford and provide wider economic growth.  Although the Council remains concerned about environmental and Green Belt impacts it accepts that it is not always possible to completely satisfy competing needs.