HOPES that today's (Thursday, 17 November) autumn budget statement by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt might give some clue as to the future of the proposed Lower Thames Crossing have been dashed.

In his statement Mr Hunt gave limited insight into the government' transport plans other than saying it will press on with the HS2 rail link.

He said the government will seek to ;accelerate delivery of projects across its infrastructure portfolio, rather than focus on the list of projects that were flagged for acceleration in the previous growth plan'.

And added:"The government will continue to ensure that all infrastructure is delivered quickly through reforms to the planning system, including through updating National Policy Statements for transport, energy and water resources during 2023, and through sector-specific interventions."

Earlier this week there was a call from borough MP Jackie Doyle-Price for the crossing plans to be 'ripped up', but unless there is direct intervention from transport minister Mark Harper over the crossing project, it seems the next landmark on its progress will be the decision by the Planning Inspectorate on National High's application for a Development Consent order.

An application for the project was received by the Inspectorate on 31 October. The documents lodged can be viewed via this link.

From the day after receipt of the application, the Planning Inspectorate has 28 days to review the application and decide whether or not to accept it. The acceptance decision on this application should therefore be made by Monday, 28 November.

If the application is accepted, National Highways will then initiate a plan which will include the opportunity for opponesnets and backers of the scheme to have a further input.

National Highways will publish the acceptance decision and the Adequacy of Consultation Representations received from the relevant local authorities.

As soon as practicable after the acceptance decision, it will publish the date from which individuals and organisations will be able to register to put a case on the application (by making a Relevant Representation) and become an Interested Party.

If the application is not accepted, National Highways will publish the decision letter and reasons why it hasn't been accepted and remove all the application documentation from its project page.