THE government has delayed its decision on whether to go ahead with the controversial Lower Thames Crossing.

Transport Minister Louise Haigh had been due to rule on the scheme today, (Friday, 10 October) following a recommendation by the Planning Inspectorate - the government's independent planning authority - as to whether to grant it the all important Development Consent Order (DCO).

The DCO effectively grants the planning permission for the project to get the green light.

But it has now been confirmed a decision will be delayed yet again - although possibly only until next week. A Department for Transport spokesperson said: "An update on the application will be provided in due course. We cannot comment any further on a live application."

Thurrock Council leader Cllr John Kent said: "It is disappointing that the decision has been delayed. The council will be seeking clarity on the reasons for the delay and will comment further when we have considered that information."

South Basildon and East Thurrock MP James McMurdock was also among the first to comment, saying: "This is a textbook case of kicking the can down the road. After 15 years of planning and £800 million spent, we still have no clear decision.

"The longer the delays, the higher the costs for the taxpayer, and yet no real progress has been made."