On 12 April 2017 the Secretary of State for Transport announced the preferred route for a new Lower Thames Crossing, connecting the M25 with the A2 east of Gravesend. This was the preferred route (Western Southern Link) of KCC.
Cobham Parish Council is extremely disappointed with this announcement and feel an opportunity has been missed to complete the M25 with a long tunnel (Option A.14 from Swanley to South Ockendon), which could have provided an expressway for through traffic, and given the long-suffering residents of Dartford and Thurrock a reduction of congestion, noise and air pollution.
Adam Holloway MP, Cllr Bryan Sweetland and the Lower Thames Crossing Association continue to oppose this decision.
We will support any legal challenge that may result through the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England, who are investigating, and will be working with other Parish Councils and action groups in Kent and Essex to pursue this.
GBC has not as yet said that it will pursue a legal challenge to this decision, but we would urge anyone concerned about how this will affect their property to write or contact their elected GBC Councillor to ask them what they intend to do and say in any forthcoming meetings with Highways England.
The Parish Council will seek to engage in all discussions about the route and mitigations and environmental protections that can be put in place. Our message is:-
Adam Holloway MP, Cllr Bryan Sweetland and the Lower Thames Crossing Association continue to oppose this decision.
We will support any legal challenge that may result through the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England, who are investigating, and will be working with other Parish Councils and action groups in Kent and Essex to pursue this.
GBC has not as yet said that it will pursue a legal challenge to this decision, but we would urge anyone concerned about how this will affect their property to write or contact their elected GBC Councillor to ask them what they intend to do and say in any forthcoming meetings with Highways England.
The Parish Council will seek to engage in all discussions about the route and mitigations and environmental protections that can be put in place. Our message is:-
- No junction on the A226;
- Extend the tunnels south of the A226;
- Maximum cut and cover
- This will not cure Dartford – a new crossing will still be needed.