Lower Thames Crossing Fact sheet Biodiversity, cultural heritage and landscape 27 BRENTWOOD A1 Junction 29 We have sought to minimise the impact of our Romford Dunton A1 27 proposed scheme on the biodiversity, cultural West Horndon 8 2 Basildon 1 South Upminster A heritageBenfleet and landscape as we developed Hornchurch Bulphan HAVERING and assessed the route options. We have also THURROCK Essex 3 worked with statutory environmental bodies North Ockendon 1 A Horndon on includingCanvey theIsland Environment Agency, Natural the Hill Route 3 5 South Ockendon England,C AMarineSTLE POINT Management Organisation 2 M Route 2 and Historic England to gain a thorough Junction 30 Orsett Stanford-le-Hope North Stifford Route 4 understanding of environmental constraints. Aveley 3 A1 Linford Purfleet 9 08 Chadwell Chafford 1 Hundred A St Mary 2 8 2 West Tilbury Biodiversity A Junction 31 Grays BEXLEY East MEDWAY There are a number of biodiversity sites with Tilbury Tilbury international, European, national and local Location C Dartford A226 Bored Tunnel designations that could be affected. The most Junction 1a Greenhithe A2 significant of these are the Thames Estuary and Swanscombe Northfleet 26 GRAVESHAM Gravesend Junction 1b Chalk Marshes Ramsar site and Special Protection A2 Area. These stretch from the edge of Gravesend Junction 2 Higham Shorne A289 5 eastwards along the banks of the river. These 2 DARTFORD M Western Southern Link Thong Junction 1 valuable wetland habitats are designated Eastern Southern Link internationally and are protected by law. Longfield Kent Cobham Rochester Gillingham All route options would potentially affect areas of w 8 Chatham 2 M 7 2 2 2 ancient woodland and protected species such A 2 A Highways England is consulting on as water voles, great crested newts and birds. 0 2 M Blue Bell 2 proposals for a new road crossing of M Hill Following a decision on the preferred route, we would 9 2 2 the River Thames connecting Kent and A carry out a range of seasonal surveys to understand 20 Essex. There are three route options in detail the plant andM animal species that could M20 M20 be affected by that route. These would allow us to northM26 of the river in Essex and two south make decisions about the detailed design and how Sevenoaks of the river in Kent. Your views will help M25 we could reduce or avoid impacts to biodiversity. us to inform the Government prior to its decision, expected later this year, We would use our experience learned from other on the preferred route and crossing. projects where we have successfully mitigated against effects on habitats and continue to protect important plant and animal species. Cultural heritage We considered three types of crossing The Thames Estuary area is rich in heritage structure: a bridge, a bored tunnel and assets that include Scheduled Monuments: an immersed tunnel. Although these are the New Tavern Fort and Cliffe Fort on the technically feasible at the proposed crossing southern bank of the River Thames, and Tilbury location, we have proposed a bored tunnel Fort, Coalhouse Fort and Battery and artillery because this would: defences on the northern bank. The area also features Registered Parks and Gardens, � have the least impact on protected habitats Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas. and species and on cultural heritage on the banks of the river Routes 2, 3 and 4 would all directly affect Listed � avoid the potential for disturbing any Buildings, and Routes 2 and 3 would also directly unknown marine archaeological assets affect Scheduled Monuments. There may also be which may exist at the proposed new temporary and permanent effects on Conservation crossing location Areas. Route 4 would directly affect the Thorndon � reduce the visual impact on the landscape Park Registered Park and Garden. Potentially undiscovered archaeological remains may Further consultation exist that could be affected by the proposals. As a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project, a new Lower Thames Crossing is Following a decision on the preferred route, we subject to a statutory Development Consent would investigate the effect that route could have Order process. This means there will be on heritage assets and their setting, and how to further opportunities for you to have your say reduce or mitigate the effects. We would also carry on more detailed aspects of the scheme. out further archaeological surveys to understand the potential for undiscovered archaeological remains and how we could protect these. For more information Landscape Visit our website The Thames Estuary has a diverse and varied www.lower-thames-crossing.co.uk landscape that could be affected by the Lower Access consultation materials and provide your Thames Crossing scheme. The landscape views on our proposals. around the routes south of the river include the nationally important Kent Downs Area of Join us at one of our events Outstanding Natural Beauty as well as a number Members of our team will be on hand to answer of areas of ancient woodland and smaller your questions. settlements and villages. North of the river the landscape comprises open agricultural fields Phone us interspersed with pylons and existing roads. If you need help accessing this or any other Highways England information, please call 0300 123 5000. © Crown copyright (2016). Please quote the Highways England publications code PR150/15. You may re-use this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. 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