Latest plans unveiled and submitted for the controversial Lower Thames Crossing.

National Highways has announced it has submitted the latest plans for the crossing to the planning inspectorate, which will now consider if the application will be taken forward to the next stage of the planning process. 

Angry campaigners claim National Highways originally attempted to submit the DCO for the LTC back in October 2020, but withdrew it in November 2020, because the Planning Inspectorate were due to refuse it.

The Lower Thames Crossing Action Group says councils, whose areas would be impacted if the proposed crossing goes ahead, have 14 days to submit what is known as Adequacy of Consultation representations to the Planning Inspectorate.

Laura Blake, Chair of Thames Crossing Action Group said: “We know that failure to deliver the LTC project is an existential threat to National Highways, their own report stated as much. We can only assume that is why they have pushed ahead with resubmitting the DCO application despite a lack of adequate consultation, and evidence that the project would not deliver the scheme objectives.

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"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 organsations and groups have concerns just like us. The fact National Highways have pushed ahead with the resubmission wreaks of desperation for a project that is hanging by a thread and should be put out of its misery. We need and deserve better. "

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."