Gravesham Rural Neighbourhood Forum : Discussing the proposed Lower Thames Crossing

On Wednesday, Higham played host to the latest Gravesham Rural Neighbourhood Forum, discussing the plans for a Lower Thames Crossing, which would impact across the North Kent area.

The meeting, held in the Memorial Hall, was attended by an estimated 500+ people, representing residents, local councillors, environmentalists, other interested parties and the media.

All those present were welcomed by Councillor Leanne Hornby, from Shorne Parish Council, and the speakers, Councillor Mr Paul Carter, Leader of Kent County Council and Mr Richard Knox Johnston, Chairman of Protect Kent, part of the Council for the Protection of Rural England, were introduced to the audience.

First to speak in favour of the proposals, Mr Carter outlined details from the K.C.C. Growth Without Gridlock Report, which includes plans for a lower Thames crossing, expected to be a tunnel in preference to a bridge.

The report favours a site between Gravesend and Higham emerging in Chadwell, Essex to tie up with the M11 motorway.  The new large container port being developed at Shellhaven, Essex, will increase HGV traffic throughout Kent, particularly in the Gravesham area. The report and plans are currently with the Department of Transport for further consideration.

Mr Knox Johnston replied, opposing the proposal, with suggestions on how the current traffic systems and road networks could be adapted to avoid the necessity of another crossing. One option is to remove the tolls at the existing Dartford crossing, which was understandably well received from the audience.  Another option could be sea routes being planned to utilise the existing ports nearest to their departure point or destination, to remove the pressure on the port of Dover. The environmental impact on the area would be considerable, the North Kent Marshland are designated SSSI and Ramsar protected areas and would require a change in EU regulations before any works took place. The estimated cost of £1.7billion was likely to be exceeded and how would this be funded?

Councillor Mike Snelling, Leader of Gravesham Borough Council spoke briefly confirming the Borough Council’s opposition to the crossing proposals but thanked Mr Carter and Mr Knox Johnston for drawing the attention of the public to the report and this important issue.

The evening drew to a close with a question and answer session from the floor, conducted by Councillor David Turner of Istead Rise Parish Council. This turned into a very lively debate, with one speaker enquired how the KCC would cope with a new large road network - when they are already struggling with maintenance on the roads now! Rev. Nigel Bourne from Chalk and local MP Adam Holloway also raised questions.  

Councillor Hornby thanked everyone for attending and the meeting closed at 9.30pm.

With thanks to Liz Jeffery.

Photo courtesy of Elsie esq.’s flickrstream