Proposed £10 Billion UK Motorway Faces Criticism Amidst Record-Breaking Planning Application.
The submission of plans for a colossal £10 billion dual carriageway, which includes an extensive tunnel under the River Thames, has resulted in the longest planning application in the UK’s history. Spanning a staggering 359,866 pages across 2,838 separate documents, the Lower Thames Crossing aims to alleviate congestion on the motorways surrounding the Dartford Crossing by establishing a new 14.3-mile road linking the M2 with the M25.
The proposed motorway includes a 2.6-mile tunnel beneath the Thames, connecting Kent and Essex. The sheer volume of the planning application, weighing approximately 1,620kg if printed, has raised concerns about the efficiency of the country’s planning system. According to analysis by Britain Remade, it would take around 328 days to read the entire application.
Criticism has intensified as National Highways spent £267 million solely on the application process, described as emblematic of systemic issues within the planning system. The overall costs of the project have soared to a staggering £800 million, with Britain Remade emphasizing the hindrances this creates for essential developments in housing, transport, and clean energy.
The final decision on the project’s approval, anticipated within the next six months, comes after years of planning since 2009. The project, if given the green light, wouldn’t be operational until 2031 at the earliest.
Despite the exorbitant costs and extended timeline, campaigner Sam Richards acknowledged the necessity of the Lower Thames Crossing to alleviate congestion at the Dartford Crossing and improve air quality. However, critics argue that the project exemplifies the complexities and delays inherent in the British planning system.
Transport Secretary Mark Harper is set to receive the recommendation by March 20, following the conclusion of the inspectors’ examination in December. Lower Thames Crossing Development Director Mark Bottomley defended the prolonged planning process, citing the need for a comprehensive, democratic approach to ensure community input and minimize environmental impact. The government aims to make a decision on the project’s fate by the summer.
