LOWER THAMES CROSSING MITIGATING THE NEGATIVE IMPACTS AND MAXIMISING THE BENEFITS TO CREATE A POSITIVE LEGACY FOR

PRODUCED BY FEBRUARY 2021 LOWER THAMES CROSSING LTC MITIGATION BENEFITS NON TECHNICAL SUMMARY LOWER THAMES CROSSING LTC MITIGATION BENEFITS NON TECHNICAL SUMMARY

A MESSAGE FROM THURROCK COUNCIL LEADER CLLR ROB GLEDHILL

AS A COUNCIL WE HAVE MADE SURE THAT LOCAL VOICES AND OPINIONS HAVE BEEN HEARD LOUD AND CLEAR BY AS THEY PROGRESSED WITH THEIR PROPOSALS FOR THE LOWER THAMES CROSSING, WHICH WE KNOW WILL HAVE SIGNIFICANT IMPACTS ON THE BOROUGH AND ALL THE RESIDENTS WHO LIVE HERE.

It is fair to say that we have provided strong opposition to the proposals and have made sure that Highways England has been in no doubt about our concerns for the impacts their scheme will cause, both in the construction phase and in the longer term as the new crossing goes into operation, and we deal with the significant change to the borough’s landscape and infrastructure which will be brought about by this major scheme.

We have seen some success through our engagement, but not enough. We will continue to engage effectively with Highways England to make sure that a full mitigation package comes forward to limit the harm to our borough’s interests, and full consideration is given as to how these proposals can and should be an opportunity to deliver benefits to Thurrock and complement the borough’s ambitions.

The recent withdrawal of the Development Consent Order is a clear and welcome signal that Highways England is willing to work more closely with us. We welcome their new approach and want to make certain that every opportunity is taken to ensure that any revisions to the LTC support our exciting plans for the economic development of Thurrock, as we work with colleagues along the Thames Corridor to create one of the most significant growth hubs in the United Kingdom.

With courage, common sense and above all collaboration these proposals can become something which contributes to positive change for Thurrock, its residents and businesses.

Our message is clear: this is a national infrastructure scheme which must put the welfare and prosperity of local people first.

We will continue to work to ensure that should this scheme receive its development consent order, it delivers the real and impactful benefits our residents deserve and we have been seeking for a long time. Rob Gledhill Leader of Thurrock Council, Councillor Rob Gledhill

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

A Letter from the Leader of the Council 3

Introduction 5

Thurrock Now and in the Future 6

Our Vision for Future if Mitigations are put in Place 7 INTRODUCTION The Proposed Lower Thames crossing 8

THIS REPORT HAS BEEN PRODUCED BY THURROCK COUNCIL. IT SUMMARISES THE FINDINGS OF THE The Potential Harm and what Needs to be LOWER THAMES CROSSING MITIGATION BENEFITS STUDY (NOVEMBER 2020), PRODUCED BY HATCH FOR Done to Overcome it 10 THURROCK COUNCIL.

The main report examines a range of options For the full Lower Thames Crossing Mitigation Minimising the Impacts of LTC Construction 12 for offsetting the identified negative impacts of Benefits Study please visit: www.thurrock.gov. the LTC scheme upon residents and businesses uk/thames-crossing/lower-thames-crossing- within Thurrock, as identified in the earlier proposals or contact us using the details on the Ensuring Optimum Operational Arrangement 14 February 2020 Economic Costs Study report by back of this report. Hatch. This new report identifies 57 individual schemes and interventions that could help Supporting Businesses and the Community to reduce the negative impacts of the LTC Through the Transition 16 construction, enhance the operation of the scheme, support residents and businesses through the transition, as well as provide a series Delivering Long-Term Benefits 18 of lasting legacy provision across Thurrock.

Positive Outcomes from Mitigation and Legacy Measures 20

Engagement/Next Steps 22

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THURROCK NOW AND IN THE FUTURE VISION FOR FUTURE OUR BOROUGH Located on the north side of the , Thurrock is a borough of strategic significance for , and the South East. We are home to three international ports and visitor We have ambitions for major growth and investment attractions such as Lakeside shopping centre in Thurrock. Over the next 20 years we want to invest and our historic forts. in infrastructure, create new job opportunities and The area is characterised by a mosaic of landscapes, including coastal marsh, low-lying build new homes for local people. fenland, farmland and more developed urban areas. Around 60% of our borough is Green Belt and we are home to natural assets, such Thurrock is one of the largest growth areas in the UK as the Mardyke Valley and Thameside Nature Park, with a range of designated Sites of Special and has major regeneration projects centred around Scientific Interest (including Hangman’s Wood and the Mucking Flat Marshes), 17 scheduled six growth hubs that are set to create 24,500 new monuments (ranging from the forts to crop jobs. With £20bn of investment in infrastructure, new marks), and seven Conservation Areas. These areas are connected via a network of Public jobs, and homes already planned, and 1,000 acres of Rights of Way, providing access to open space and recreation. land ready for business development, Thurrock has an We have a strong and growing economy, driven exciting future. by our economic links with London and our good transport connections to the South East. The combination of rural attractions, good We are in the process of preparing our Local Plan connectivity and job opportunities makes Thurrock a place where people want to live. which will guide this growth and focus it on the areas Alongside low unemployment rates, this is and communities that need it most. why we have experienced population growth rates above England and Essex in recent years. Some challenges remain, in particular in terms of health outcomes, but we are working to improve this situation and reduce inequalities.

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CONTEXT MAP A12 Major Places Natural Assets THE PROPOSED International Ports

LOWER THAMES CROSSING Brentwood Historic Forts

THE LOWER THAMES CROSSING (LTC) IS A PROPOSED NEW ROAD THAT WILL LINK THE A2 IN TO Lower Thames THE M25 IN ESSEX AND IS AIMED AT INCREASING ROAD CAPACITY ACROSS THE THAMES. Crossing New Junction The LTC will run from the M25 near South Thurrock Council has been regularly engaging Ockendon through Thurrock, crossing the A13 with Highways England since the scheme at , and then under the River Thames was first proposed, both through formal M25 between and . It will connect consultations and regular meetings. The Council A127 with the A2 south of on the other side has sought to understand the full implications Basildon of the river. of the scheme and has promoted improvements to the project so that it minimises the negative Upminster Langdon Ridge SSSI The project is being promoted by Highways impacts upon Thurrock. Whilst Highways England England, the government body responsible for has continued to develop and refine aspects of motorways and major A roads in England. Due the scheme, the fundamental concerns identified to its scale, the project is classed as a ‘Nationally by the Council have yet to be resolved. Significant Infrastructure Project’ (NSIP) and Fobbing therefore planning permission for it will be Marshes SSSI determined by the Government, not the local Thames Chase Council (see more on this process on page 24). Community Forest Mardyke Valley Canvey Wick SSSI THE COUNCIL’S POSITION A13 Stanford Le Hope London Gateway Thurrock Council has consistently opposed Highways England’s current LTC scheme due to the Port negative economic, social and environmental impacts that it will have upon the borough, as well as A1089 the constraints it will place upon future growth. Mucking Flats & Grays Marshes SSSI

By severing and restricting local access onto the LTC, the Council believe the current scheme LTC represents a significant missed opportunity and will fail to create benefits for local residents and businesses. Instead of offering the potential to leave a lasting positive legacy, the current proposals A282 will instead, result in local disruption and long-term severance. Coalhouse Fort In response to concerns raised by the Council, and other interested parties, Highways England has Tilbury Fort partially modified its original designs to incorporate changes to landscaping around the north tunnel portal, removal of one lane southbound between the M25 and A13 junction, changes to the design of structures in the Mardyke Valley and at Tilbury Viaduct, provide additional green bridges, as well as improve some footpaths for walkers, cyclists and horse riders. Whilst some, but not all, of these A2 elements represent a positive step, they remain significantly below the Council’s expectations and a Gravesend wide range of concerns remain.

Appropriate mitigation and legacy measures still need to be implemented to protect Thurrock’s future M25 and reduce the harm caused by the LTC scheme.

M2

Chatham M20 A228

Contains OS data © Crown copyright and database right 2020.

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The Council has identified four core areas where the LTC Scheme will cause harm within the Thurrock. Appropriate mitigation will THE POTENTIAL HARM need to be developed by Highway’s England to alleviate these AND WHAT CAN BE DONE TO OVERCOME IT negative impacts of the scheme.

THE LOWER THAMES CROSSING WILL HAVE SIGNIFICANT IMPACTS UPON RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES IN THURROCK, DURING CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION.

Whilst the scheme may bring a range of strategic 1. The approach to constructing the LTC Business connectivity benefits to the UK as a whole, it will scheme to minimise the impacts upon Disruption negatively affect Thurrock’s economy, restrict Thurrock residents and businesses Noise Health access and movement around the development Pollution Impacts corridor, delay growth, harm the environment, 2. How the completed LTC scheme will and increase air and noise pollution. operate, particularly the way it will affect local connectivity and severance across Without adequate mitigation, the construction Thurrock, as well as the environment Minimising phase of the LTC scheme will cause unnecessary impacts of disruption and blight upon local communities 3. How businesses and residents can construction and affect day-to-day activities. Even once be fully supported by the Council operational, the LTC will still create significant throughout the construction and severance across the borough and offer very operational phases limited local benefits. 4. How it can be ensured that the scheme Flood The Council has, and will continue to, advocate will deliver lasting legacy benefits Risk for significant changes to the LTC scheme and across Thurrock that will help off-set the Noise has identified four key areas where this change is direct harm caused, including loss of Pollution required: development land Ensuring Delivering optimum Sterillised Blight to long-term Overcoming Heritage Harm operational Land Summary of the Potential Harm to Thurrock b e n e fi t s arrangements

Homes lost and Negative impacts to health and Impact on blighted and wellbeing Green Space Severed development land lost PRoW

Disruption to businesses during Air and noise construction and operation Supporting pollution business and the community through the Severance across transitions the borough Ongoing Impacts to Disruption Cohesion Poor Health & Wellbeing

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MINIMISING THE IMPACTS The Council has identified a number of aspects of the LTC OF LTC CONSTRUCTION construction plans that should be enhanced as part of the DCO process to help alleviate inappropriate levels of emissions and THE POTENTIAL HARM traffic impacts during the construction phase. The LTC scheme will be a major construction WHAT CAN BE DONE? project lasting over 6 years. The construction boundary will extend well beyond the physical The Council recognises that the construction limits of the final road alignment. It will include a phase of the LTC scheme will be disruptive, major construction compound around the site of but that it is imperative that every opportunity the north tunnel portal between Tilbury and East is taken to minimise the adverse impacts or Active Travel Tilbury, as well as eight other compounds within, to mitigate against them. We are striving to Options for or adjacent to, Thurrock boundaries. At various ensure that Highways England not only comply Workers Innovative stages of construction there will need to be both with all necessary statutory regulations but Adequate public transport temporary and permanent local road closures go beyond them to alleviate harm to local materials measures e.g. that, alongside the additional HGV construction- residents and businesses. and waste Thames Clipper related traffic, will cause severance and harm management local connectivity and accessibility. The potential As part of this process, the Council recognise processes Marine transport environmental impacts of construction activities that a comprehensive mechanism is needed for construction and HGV traffic are also of concern, in terms of to allow residents and businesses meaningful materials and Reducing Harmful noise, dust and particulate matter, and visual engagement with Highways England and equipment blight. Traffi c Impacts its construction partners. This needs to be Ensuring adequate instigated in advance of the commencement transport measures The construction phase will inevitably create of construction and continue throughout the are included to Public Transport significant disruption to local residents and works and into the operational phase. minimise construction Access for businesses across Thurrock. The Council is road traffi c Workers particularly concerned around the potential health and well-being impacts of the construction phase in terms of the direct health implications of air and noise pollution, restrictions to physical activity, access to public health facilities, as well Minimising as mental health impacts. The severance created could also impact upon community cohesion. impacts of The constraints placed upon local businesses construction activities will also be significant from reduced connectivity. The phasing of construction Reducing Harmful Emissions Ensuring the approach Reducing the Summary of the Construction Impacts to construction permitted minimises hours for inappropriate noise, construction 20 Homes lost Restricted access to public dust, particulate matter services due to road closures The number, location Minimising and operation construction of construction traffi c compounds Road closures and Land for growth and Noise emissions diversions development lost or delayed Real-time mitigation monitoring of during noise and air construction quality Jobs lost due to disruption Construction traffic causing to businesses pollution and delays

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ENSURING OPTIMUM OPERATIONAL ARRANGEMENT The Council has developed a range of mitigation measures to be adopted as part of the DCO process that will help alleviate THE POTENTIAL HARM Once completed, the LTC scheme will represent WHAT CAN BE DONE? negative traffic and environmental impacts and go some way to a major physical barrier across the borough and result in the loss of property and valuable The Council has undertaken a significant minimising the long-term adverse effects of the scheme. development land. Wildlife habitats, woodlands, amount of work to examine the operational green space, and heritage assets will all be impact of the scheme. We have asked affected, as will views across Tilbury Marshes, Highways England to explain its proposed Orsett Fen and the Mardyke Valley. A significant design for the A13 / LTC junction that will number of properties and facilities will be subject restrict local traffic movements from the A128 Low-noise road to blight in terms of noise, air quality, and views. Brentwood Road to the A1089 Dock Approach surfacing Road, but we still await an adequate response. Access onto the LTC from Thurrock will be Energy effi cient Public Transport The Council is concerned that car, van and HGV extremely restrictive meaning Thurrock residents lighting and Provision on the LTC movements will divert onto alternative local and businesses will see limited benefits from the signage routes and so it is imperative that adequate scheme. Whilst local connections across the LTC Smart Speed traffic mitigation measures are incorporated alignment will be re-provided, including Public Limits into the scheme, to alleviate negative impacts Appropriate Rights of Way, some will be subject to diversions (Pollution levels) for Thurrock residents and businesses. noise and fl ood and may no longer be as attractive to use. Parts protection of the local transport network are also expected Highway Design The Council is also seeking to ensure the to see higher traffic levels, including junctions of the LTC highest standards, and innovative solutions along the A13, as well as areas such as Orsett, Ensuring highest A13/LTC are adopted by Highways England throughout standards of design Horndon and Chadwell St. Mary. Low-emission Junction Design the operation of the scheme. This includes vehicle A13 Junctions smart monitoring of noise, emissions, and The combination of impacts will affect incentives on (Orsett Cock, energy consumption, and ensuring the road Manorway) community cohesion, health and wellbeing, LTC has net zero impact upon climate change. business confidence and investment, as well as future development growth opportunities. Targets for low- emission vehicle Daneholes usage Climate Ensuring Key Junctions Change optimum Roundabout Ensuing net zero and Traffi c impact from operational Management Toll LTC scheme ` Land and Environmental Connectivity Impacts hypothecation arrangements Asda or penalties Roundabout Impacts Restricted access onto the Carbon Local Roads LTC from local roads o ff s e t t i n g Habitats lost or damaged (Willow and (Orsett Horndon, Tree Planting) Chadwell St. Mary) PRoW and Green Public rights of way Space Improvements Green and open space Providing high quality severed and diverted local access impacted Optimising Enhanced bridge Green Space crossing Traffic on local roads and at Farmland permanently lost provision A13 junctions Complete and Enabling the improve the restoration of the PRoW network historic landfi ll site Blight to historic and and cleaning the heritage assets marine habitat

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SUPPORTING BUSINESSES AND THE COMMUNITY THROUGH THE TRANSITION The Council proposes a range of measures to help provide the necessary local resource and financial support to manage the THE POTENTIAL HARM transitional impacts resulting from the construction and operation During the construction, and subsequent WHAT CAN BE DONE? operation, of the LTC scheme there will be of the LTC scheme. significant impacts on communities and The Council is seeking funding from Highways businesses within Thurrock. Increased traffic, England to resource a number of internal road closures and severance will put pressures teams that can support the local labour on local business operations and on the local market, businesses, and the wider community. community’s ability to access employment, These teams will work to ensure local people Target for local education and public facilities, including GP are fully informed of the potential impacts surgeries and hospitals, especially via public labour and of the LTC scheme and are able to access apprenticeship transport. This, in turn, will place additional support. Given that the Council has good Council-led pressure on the Council’s resources to support use existing relationships with local businesses and Local Labour and Employment these groups whilst continuing their legal duties the community in Thurrock, it is best placed to Business Team opportunities to provide public services and maintain local offer this much needed additional support to small capital grants roads. local people. Business rates and improvement schemes Furthermore, whilst the construction of the LTC holidays for Specific measures could also be put in place aff ected fi rms scheme may offer some opportunities for local to directly support businesses and the local people (e.g. direct employment or as part of the communities most affected by the LTC scheme, Local Labour Social value in supply chain), without adequate information and including grant funding opportunities or and Business procurement support local residents and businesses could find Green business Supporting local business rates relief. support it hard to access these opportunities. labour and business through the transition Financial support from Highways England period and creating will also enable the Council’s Highway Team opportunities to manage the significant additional work required to facilitate changes to the local road network and the disruption caused by the LTC construction requirements. Supporting businesses and Summary of Business and Community Impacts Council-led the community Community and through the Transport Public Health Network Team Community transition Management and Over 55,000 residents Increased severance and and Public Health Development live near the LTC loneliness, especially for Supporting the Providing community through appropriate resource vulnerable residents the transition period to manage the local Public Health and improving transport network Mitigation Disrupted access to welfare schools, GP surgeries Homes and community and hospitals facilities impacted by noise, Community visual and air pollution Engagement Community Disproportionally impacting Investment Small communities with deprivation Capital Grant Scheme and health challenges

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DELIVERING LONG-TERM BENEFITS The Council has developed a range of mitigation measures to be adopted as part of the DCO process that will help alleviate negative THE POTENTIAL HARM traffic and environmental impacts and go some way to minimising The LTC scheme runs through the heart of WHAT CAN BE DONE? Thurrock and yet the current design offers the long-term adverse effects of the scheme. extremely limited access from the Thurrock main The Council has undertaken significant road network. The main beneficiaries from the research to determine what a positive legacy scheme are those travelling along the route on for Thurrock from the LTC scheme could long-distance trips, as opposed to local Thurrock look like. Fundamentally, this has to involve A1012 Junction communities. At the same time, it is the local significant additional investment across the and Medebridge Thurrock residents who are the ones who will borough, on projects that will create lasting Multi-modal be subject to significant disruption during the Rail Crossing Road benefits for local people and businesses and Improvement construction and will suffer from the long-term that will support future growth aspirations. severance caused by the scheme. This could include new or safeguarded road Improve For a major road infrastructure scheme of this infrastructure, such as the Tilbury Link Road, size, it is very unusual for there to be such limited Internet / 5G additional future provision for junctions onto Connections positive impacts for local people. Nationally the LTC, or a new bridge crossing over the Delivering Significant Infrastructure Projects should offer Tilbury Loop railway line, all of which could Infrastructure the potential to deliver transformational change help to open up the benefits of the LTC and A13/B186 East- Providing specifi c infrastructure legacies for the communities in which they’re located but drive forward growth and opportunity across Facing Access the current design of the LTC scheme negates this the borough. Opportunities for enhanced Building possibility. housing and digital infrastructure provision Legacy should also be considered, including high Highways England need to better meet the Tilbury Link Housing quality temporary worker accommodation Road Provision objectives they set themselves for the LTC that can be left for the Council to help meet Scheme, which include: Thurrock’s long-term housing needs, and Facilitating • Supporting sustainable local development laying ducting for internet cabling to address Future Delivering and regional economic growth in the the very poor levels of connectivity in some Infrastructure long-term medium to long term parts of the borough. Passive Creating • Minimising adverse impacts on health and provision for opportunities benefi ts for future The Council also has concerns about Highways future LTC the environment infrastructure England’s limited proposals to improve junctions provision walking, cycling and horse-riding across the borough. Additional investment in an Long Term Impacts enhanced coastal route (Two Forts Way) and for restoring the heritage assets and the wider Green Corridors, and Two Forts landscape in the Tilbury Fort, Coalhouse Fort, Local Heritage Way Project Distributor LTC benefits long-distance Coalhouse Battery, Bowater Farm and North Restoring, enhancing, Portal area will improve and safeguard public Roads and creating new travellers not Thurrock green spaces for leisure and exercise well into cultural and outdoor residents the future. assets

The Council is seeking legal commitment from Highways England to deliver these measures Coalhouse Fort and East Tilbury Increasing greenhouse gas and leave a lasting, positive legacy in Thurrock. and carbon emissions Historic Natural and Landscape Cultural Heritage Restoration Area Project

Disrupting Thurrock’s economic growth and development ambitions

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Keeping Improved residents Improved community informed and air quality Pathways to cohesion consulted employment & training POSITIVE Lower disruption from Enhanced Better Internet OUTCOMES noise transport connectivity Ensure connectivity FROM MITIGATION Reducing residents play a property leading role Positive health blight in shaping AND LEGACY & wellbeing and delivering outcomes mitigation MEASURES Reduced congestion The overall package of measures has Local been designed to ensure that the Meeting construction and operational phases Residents Access to green temporary of the LTC do not negatively impact space and housing needs upon local businesses, community heritage and the environment.

If implemented, these measures Local Protection would help to offset any negative Businesses against negative economic and social impacts and impacts upon fi nancial instead contribute to our vision for operations significant growth and investment in Council-Led Thurrock. Legacy Unlock Support access to Support This diagram provides an overview development Eff ective local for visitor of all the potential benefits that could transport economy be achieved by delivering the whole network package of mitigation and legacy measures. Assistance Future in attracting trade The benefits can be grouped under Growth five broad themes: Support 1. Local Residents business and community innovation Operation Construction 2. Local Businesses Minimise land Mitigation Mitigation sterilisation 3. Construction Workers

4. The Environment

5. Future Growth Restore Construction Increased contaminated Workers sustainable land travel options Create woodland and mini forests Reduce business- related The emissions Environment Active Travel provision Health & Wellbeing

Enhance Improve water green Reduce impact space environment of waste Promote Green Growth Reduce fl ood risk

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GETTING INVOLVED AND NEXT STEPS

HIGHWAYS ENGLAND SUBMITTED AN APPLICATION FOR APPROVAL FOR THE SCHEME THROUGH THE DEVELOPMENT CONSENT ORDER (DCO) PROCESS, TO SECURE DEVELOPMENT CONSENT FROM THE GOVERNMENT FOLLOWING RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE PLANNING INSPECTORATE (AN EXECUTIVE PRE-APPLICATION ACCEPTANCE PRE-EXAMINATION AGENCY OF THE GOVERNMENT). HIGHWAYS ENGLAND HAS SUFFERED A SET-BACK IN THEIR SUBMISSION HAVING NOW WITHDRAWN THEIR DCO APPLICATION, BUT IS CURRENTLY PROPOSING TO RESUBMIT ITS • Period of consultation • This stage begins when the • After acceptance, an APPLICATION DURING 2021, WITH A TIMESCALE YET TO BE DETERMINED. before submitting the developer formally submits Examining Authority is application often lasting an application to the Planning appointed. This can be a The diagram on the next page gives an overview Thurrock Council, and many statutory bodies, several years and intended Inspectorate for Development single Examining Inspector or of how the DCO process works. This is a statutory are automatically registered as interested parties to optimise the design and Consent a panel of up to 5 Inspectors, project which is most likely for LTC. process and to take part, or submit your views, and will continue to be involved in the DCO • The Inspectorate checks you must register as an ‘Interested Party’. process on behalf of Thurrock’s residents and • Consultation happens the application documents • At this stage the public can Anyone can be an interested party (individuals, businesses. with the general public, to ensure all the required register with the Planning businesses, community groups, etc.). local authorities, statutory information is included and Inspectorate and provide a and non-statutory bodies, has 28 days to decide whether summary of their views of landowners, campaign or not the application meets the application. This requires If you would like to register you must fill in a THE DCO PROCESS groups and others the standard needed for submitting a ‘Relevant The DCO process has six stages with a examination, following Representation’ letter to Relevant Representation form in full. This will • Highways England representations made by become an interested party. become available on the Lower Thames Crossing strict timetable. Any Nationally Significant undertook three rounds of aff ected local authorities, project page of the Planning Inspectorate website Infrastructure Project (NSIP) has to go through formal public consultation in • All interested parties will which it takes into account in 2018 and 2020 then be invited to attend a http://bit.ly/LTC-NIP once the DCO Submission the DCO process rather than applying to the its decision. has been accepted. An advice note with more local authority for planning permission. This Preliminary Meeting (which is because the NSIPs are so big and nationally • Highways England could be in two or more detail on how to register, and what the benefits submitted its application parts) to discuss how the of getting involved are, can also be found on the important that permission to build them needs on 23rd October 2020 but application will be examined Planning Inspectorate website http://bit.ly/NIP- to be given at a national level. The expansion subsequently withdrew and its programme it on 20 November. It is NSIPP-Advice. of Tilbury Port (called Tilbury 2) is another local • This stage usually takes understood the intention is example of an NSIP which has been approved around 3-6 months to resubmit their application and is under construction. depending on the size and during 2021, with a timescale complexity of the DCO yet to be determined. This application. means the scheme is now back at the Pre-Application stage. DCO Submission Commencement of Decision Highways England’s formal re- Examination Final decision by submission of their application The period for submitting written the Secretary of to the Planning Inspectorate representations and for any hearings State

EXAMINATION DECISION POST-DECISION

• Examination happens over • After the examination the • Once a decision has been 6 months 3 to 6 a period of 6 months Examining Authority will issued, there is a 6 week 28 days 6 month post- prepare a report for the period in which the decision Commencement months • Interested parties and post-DCO Examination completion Secretary of State with can be challenged by Judicial of the DCO post- stakeholders are invited to submission period of the a recommendation on Review (JR) in the High Court Process in 2021 acceptance provide more details of their Examination whether to grant or refuse views in writing during this development consent. stage and local authorities This must be sent within 3 can submit their Local months of the close of the Impact Report (LIR) and examination Written Representation. • The Secretary of State then • There may be hearings has a further 3 months to where questions will be Acceptance Completion of Examination make a decision Confi rmation that the Planning Inspectorate The Examining Authority will then asked to the developer considers the submission meets the required prepare a short report with a standard for Examination recommendation

22 23 THURROCK COUNCIL Civic Offices New Road Grays RM17 6SL

Website: www.thurrock.gov.uk/thames-crossing/lower-thames-crossing-proposals