Highways England are again inviting views on the Lower Thames Crossing, a

proposed new motorway connecting Essex and Kent through a tunnel beneath the River Thames to provide additional road capacity. Several design refinements to the scheme have been set out in this latest consultation. A draft response to the consultation has been submitted to meet the consultation deadline, as set out in Appendix A. This focuses on implications of development for M25 Junction 29 and the surrounding area.

The Chair notified the committee that he had put forward his own letter of representation which all others are able to do also. 

Cllr Hossack MOVED and Cllr Parker SECONDED the recommendations in the report.

A vote was taken by a show of hands and it was RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY.

Members are asked to:

R1. Approve the response to the Lower Thames Crossing design refinement consultation as set out in Appendix A.

Reasons for Recommendation

The Council has engaged with Highways England on the Lower Thames

Crossing project to date. It is proposed that issues raised in previous

consultation responses are maintained where relevant and/or unresolved.

A point is made to highlight the fact that Lower Thames Crossing proposals do not adequately consider cumulative growth in South Essex in terms of the opportunity to plan for required investment at M25 junction 29 and the wider

highway network. In addition, proposals at Brentwood Enterprise Park are on

the one-hand not considered because of the stage that the Local Development Plan is at, but on the other-hand is used to enable construction access through the site. This seems an inconsistent and unfair way to approach joint working given both Highways England and the Council are progressing projects to deliver development for the benefit of economic growth. A more holistic view of the projects would deliver added benefits and efficiencies.

The design refinements within Brentwood Borough mainly relate to proposals for new or improved routes for non-motorised uses (walking, cycling and horse riding) outside the highway network. Whilst this focus and investment is

welcomed, proposals could be improved by combining this with other

improvement schemes required by the delivery of new development in the area, such as Brentwood Enterprise Park.