NATIONAL Highways has today (Wednesday, 17 May) begun a further round of consultation on changes proposed to the design of the Lower Thames Crossing.

It is the latest in a series of consultations and dependent on the response could result in changes to its submitted application to the Planning Inspectorate and the Government. The Planning Inspectorate has confirmed that the examination period will start on 20 June and finish on 20 December. A decision is expected by summer 2024 though the Government has indicated there will be a further two year delay before any work starts.

One of the most significant changes includes updated plans for utility works at East Tilbury to reduce the amount of land needed for the project.

The two maps show the overlap between the National Highways and Iceni projects. If the agency cnanges are approved the land in orange on its map would be free of fear of being taken over by the crossing project.

By coincidence the land that is freed up by the move is part of the land that developers Iceni have earmarked for part of their planned development of up to 1,000 dwellings.

The housing development was first proposed in 2016 and has been revised several times, the latest in March this year. The application has always carried a caveat that it is dependent upon what happens to the Lower Thames Crossing project, but this latest change to National Highways' plans now means a significant part of the land Iceni wish to develop is now free of fear of being swallowed up by the crossing.

Information is also being provided on how the tunnels beneath the River Thames could be constructed and National Highways is considering using just one boring machine, rather than two. That will be significantly cheaper but will also lengthen the construction time and the agency says it provides "the flexibility to reduce costs, materials and carbon by using less machinery".

Lower Thames Crossing executive director Matt Palmer, says: "We're committed to continuing to work with our stakeholders and local community to maximise the benefits of this much-needed new crossing.

"These latest changes improve the design of the Lower Thames Crossing and allow us to reduce the land we need to build and operate it. I would like to thank you in advance for giving us your feedback."

The four-week consultation will run from today to 23.59 Monday 19 June 2023. People will be able to respond to the consultation by completing an online survey, completing a paper form or by email. Full details here.

Following the consultation, National Highways will make a formal submission to the Planning Inspectorate to make a change to the application.

National Highways submitted an application for a Development Consent Order to the Planning Inspectorate late last year and the planning process is currently in the pre-examination phase.