Two years on, National Highways puts in LTC planning bid

02/11/2022
Chris Ames

National Highways has submitted a new planning application for the £8bn Lower Thames Crossing project – two years after it had to withdraw its first application.

On Tuesday Matt Palmer, executive director for the Lower Thames Crossing, said: ‘Yesterday (31 October 2022) National Highways submitted an application for a Development Consent Order for the Lower Thames Crossing to the Planning Inspectorate, who will now consider if the application will be taken forward to the next stage of the planning process.

‘We’ve carried out a huge programme of engagement and consultation with our stakeholders and communities to improve the design of the Lower Thames Crossing and reduce our impact on our neighbours and the environment. We're grateful to our stakeholders and local communities for taking the time to give us feedback and help us shape our route and how we will build it.’

National Highways first submitted an application for development consent in 2020 but withdrew it after the Planning Inspectorate warned that it would be rejected.

At that time, the government-owned company, which was then called Highways England, said it would be ‘resubmitting the application early in the new year’, i.e. 2021.

If it gains planning permission and does not fall foul of government spending cuts, the project will consist of two 2.6 mile tunnels linking Kent and Essex under the Thames, which National Highways says would be the longest road tunnel in the UK.

The project includes 14.3 miles of new road connecting the M2/A2, A13 and M25 and around 50 new bridges and viaducts.

Laura Blake, chair of the Thames Crossing Action Group, which opposes the project, described the possibility of failure to deliver the project as ‘an existential threat to National Highways'.

She said: ‘This is a hugely destructive and harmful project, that would not solve the problems at the Dartford Crossing, is not fit for purpose, and now estimated to cost in the region of at least £10bn would be a complete waste of taxpayers’ money.

‘Our local authorities, MPs and many major organisations and groups have concerns just like us. The fact National Highways have pushed ahead with the resubmission reeks of desperation for a project that is hanging by a thread and should be put out of its misery.’

Latest Issue

latest magazine issue

 

ALSO INSIDE:

  • Exclusive: Smart Motorways
  • Are you AI protected?
  • Traffex Parkex Evex Cold Comfort
View the latest issue


Highways jobs

Multi Skilled Operatrive x4

£22,737.00 - £29,269.00, Career grade 3-6, 37 hours, Permanent
We are seeking enthusiastic and capable colleagues to join our Highway Operations team that forms part of the Highway Network Management. Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recruiter: Wakefield Council

Supervising Technician

£33,024.00 - £35,745.00, Grade 8, 37 hours, Permanent
The purpose of this role is to support the Workshop Manager you will be required to work closely with other Supervising Technicians. Newton Bar Depot, Central Vehicle Workshops, Newton Bar, Wakefield WF1 2TU
Recruiter: Wakefield Council

Heavy Vehicle/Plant Apprenticeship

Age dependent (Under 18 yrs - £12,347, 18-20 yrs - £16,591, 21+yrs - £22,071)
The programme can start to build your career, or help you to re-train, becoming a valued, recognised and rewarded team member. Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recruiter: Wakefield Council

Senior Engineer - Highways and Drainage

£40,221 - £44,428 + 12% Attraction + Retention Payment equating to actual pay £45,047 - 49,759
This is an exciting opportunity to join us as a Senior Engineer. Lincolnshire
Recruiter: Lincolnshire County Council

Service Manager - Highways (Asset and Traffic)

£48,474 to £51,515
A vacancy has become available for a Service Manager to join and manage our successful Highways Assets and Traffic team. Torbay, Devon
Recruiter: SWISCo

Traffic Management Technician - WMF1090e

Salary £26,421 - £27.334
This is a role for Traffic Management Technician to be based in the Eden area. Penrith, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Assistant Arboricultural Consultant

£26100 - £30706 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Defined Benefit Pension
Assistant Arboricultural ConsultantPermanent, Full TimeUp to £30,706 per annumLocation
Recruiter: Essex County Council

Heavy Goods Vehicle Mechanic

£27,507 - £29,418
You will need to be suitably experienced, hold a minimum of an NVQ Level 2 (or equivalent). Derby
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Principal Engineer - Highways Development Management

£48,378 - £51,571
You will play a lead role on all major highway development proposals across West Northampton. One Angel Square, Northampton
Recruiter: West Northamptonshire Council

Transport Planning & Data Manager - CMB1061e

£62,273 - £65,017
Cumberland Council is a dynamic and forward-thinking authority dedicated to enhancing public services Cumbria
Recruiter: Cumberland Council

Transport Planner (Area Travel Plans) OCC616326

£39,186 - £42,403 per annum
It doesn’t matter where you’ve been, or where you’re going, it’s about the journey. Oxfordshire
Recruiter: Oxfordshire County Council

2x Technical Lead (Area Travel Plans) OCC616320

£43,421 - £46,464 per annum
It doesn’t matter where you’ve been, or where you’re going, it’s about the journey. Oxfordshire
Recruiter: Oxfordshire County Council

Assistant Transport Planner OCC616317

£29,269 - £32,076 per annum
It doesn’t matter where you’ve been, or where you’re going, it’s about the journey. Oxfordshire
Recruiter: Oxfordshire County Council

Principal Engineer - Highways Development Management

£48,378 - £51,571
We are looking for an experienced and talented professional to join West Northampton Council as our Highways Development Principal Engineer. One Angel Square, Northampton
Recruiter: West Northamptonshire Council

Structural Highway Maintenance – Highway Engineer

£36,648 - £39,186 per annum
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a driven and self-motivated engineer to join our Structural Highway Maintenance Team. Warwickshire / Countywide
Recruiter: Warwickshire County Council

Highway Asset and Development Manager

Grade N Scp 50 £59,031 to Scp 53 £62,076, plus car allowance
To be responsible for leading, developing and delivering an effective, efficient and safe Highway Asset Management Service Bolton, Greater Manchester
Recruiter: Bolton Council

Highways Engineer

£37,336 - £39,186
Wiltshire Highways – Enhancing Lives, Building Communities Wiltshire
Recruiter: Wiltshire Council

Engineer

£40,221 - £51,515
As part of a friendly and enthusiastic team, you will play an important role in designing innovative urban transport and public realm projects 100 Temple Street Redcliff Bristol BS1 6AN
Recruiter: Bristol City Council

UGO Bus Driver

Up to £23344 per annum
UGO Bus DriverPermanent, Full Time and Part TimeUp to £23,344 per annum (FTE)Location
Recruiter: Essex County Council

Parking Finance and Debt Officer RBKC616576

£37,575 - £41,286 per annum
In Kensington and Chelsea, we put local people and local businesses at the heart of decision-making Kensington and Chelsea, London (Greater)
Recruiter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Highways Presents

 


Latest Video