PLANS for a showcase country park by the side of the Thames at Tilbury, promised by the government team behind the proposed Lower Thames Crossing are being significantly changed.

National Highways, the new name for Highways England, has announced probable alterations to its vision for a new park and improved river frontage today (Thursday, 11 November) because of the probable expansion of the Port of Tilbury as part of the new Thames Freeport.

The agency says it is 'revising its proposals for land next to the River Thames to ensure it can be maximised in the best interests of the Thames Estuary'.

An area of river frontage, which lies between the Port of Tilbury and the proposed Lower Thames Crossing tunnel entrance in Thurrock, was planned to form part of a new public park and environmental mitigation for the Lower Thames Crossing.

Today National Highways said: "However, through consultation with Thames Freeport it has become clear the land would form a key part of the Port of Tilbury growth plans as part of its Freeport proposal.

"As requested by Thurrock Council, National Highways has agreed that it will change its proposed use of the river frontage, to ensure the Freeport's potential is not impacted by the Lower Thames Crossing scheme.

"Working with the Port of Tilbury and Thurrock Council, National Highways will be considering an update to the land use in the local area so that it can provide the new Tilbury Fields public park and environmental mitigation, as well as ensuring the river frontage can be maximised for the benefit of the Thames Estuary.

Matt Palmer, Lower Thames Crossing Executive Director, said: "One of our top priorities is supporting economic growth across the Thames Estuary and the Government's Freeport proposals will play an important role in the region's future.

"We are committed to working with our partners in the area to unlock the full potential of the region.

"We welcome the opportunity to review and update our plans for Tilbury Fields so we can support the Freeport's ambition to create jobs and trade, while also providing the local community with a fantastic new park with views across the estuary."

Leader of Thurrock Council, C Rob Gledhill, said: "Thurrock Council welcomes this move by National Highways to incorporate the Freeport proposals into the Lower Thames Crossing design.

"Both the Lower Thames Crossing and the Thames Freeport are significant schemes, that will impact and benefit Thurrock. Whilst Thurrock Council remain opposed to the route of the Lower Thames Crossing this announcement does ensure that the Thames Freeport riverside opportunity is guaranteed, we will continue to work with both National Highways and the Ports to ensure the best outcomes for our community."

National Highways says it will be using the additional time required to revise its Tilbury Fields proposals to consider further improvements to its Lower Thames Crossing plans following its Community Impacts Consultation held earlier this year, adding: "The revisions to the Tilbury Fields proposals and any further changes to the Lower Thames Crossing plans will be shared with communities and stakeholders. It intends to submit its DCO application to seek permission to build and operate the crossing in 2022."

A spokesperson for the Thurrock-based Thames Crossing Action Group which is opposed to current plans, said: "Both the LTC and Thames Freeport are considered National Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) so both are deemed by Government to be important to the nation.

"The thing to remember is that a Freeport needs to be near to the water, by their very nature.

"Whereas Tilbury Fields is proposed as mitigation for LTC. Remember National Highways refer to Tilbury Fields (and Chalk Park) as new 'parks'. Whilst being sold as new 'parks' the reality is they would be convenient dumping grounds for the spoil from the LTC tunnelling.

"They have said revisions to the Tilbury Fields proposals and any further changes to the Lower Thames Crossing plans will be shared with communities and stakeholders. Whether the revisions will result in a further round of consultation remains to be seen, but we do know that any significant changes should warrant consultation."

Today's announcement came just hours after Cllr Gledhill warmly praised the work of its Thames Crossing Task Force.

At last night's cabinet meeting the council leader offered thanks to task force chairman, independent councillor Fraser Massey, complimenting the task force on its constructive approach to the crossing proposals and acting in the best interests of residents by challenging the plans and coming up with suggestions.

These include ensuring, if the crossing does eventually win approval, the best legacy for Thurrock.

Cllr Massey told Nub News: "I was really pleased to hear the Thurrock cabinet is pleased with the hard work of the LTC task force. Elected members of the LTC taskforce owe a great deal of thanks to the coopted members of the public who put in a great deal of hardwork month in, month out.

"As chair I know all members of the task force would like to say thank you to all residents of the Borough of Thurrock and surrounding areas who have always gone the extra mile in answering LTC National Highways consultations.

"Thank you Thurrock."