Detailed examination of Lower Thames Crossing plans complete with decision expected later this year

On 20 December 2023, the detailed examination of the proposals for the Lower Thames Crossing finished. The planning inspectors will now make a recommendation to the Secretary of State for Transport on whether to give permission to build and operate the new crossing, with a final decision expected in late June. 

During the six-month examination, a panel of five independent, government-appointed experts – known as the Examining Authority – took a rigorous look at the project’s Development Consent Order (DCO) application and examined it in detail to make sure it is in line with national policy.  

The Examining Authority assessed submissions from the public, stakeholders and National Highways, through written representations and 28 public hearings. 

Anna Sutherland Bamber, Lower Thames Crossing Examination Delivery Manager said:

“The Lower Thames Crossing is one of the UK’s most vital transport projects, that aims to unlock growth and tackle the congestion faced by millions every year at the Dartford Crossing. Our plans have been shaped and improved by your feedback, and I’d like to say thank you to everyone who took the time to share their views during our consultations or took part in the examination process. Now examination of the project has finished, the government’s team of independent planning experts are currently writing their recommendation so the government can make a decision this summer.” 

The hearings were either held online as virtual meetings or a hybrid in person/virtual hearing at locations close to the proposed route in Kent, Thurrock, and in London. Topics covered included:  

• the need for the project, and the critical relief it will provide to the Dartford Crossing 
• the design of the project including the provision of extensive walker, cyclist and horse-rider routes as well as the look of the project 
• the construction impacts of the project 
• the environmental effects and proposed mitigation  
• the impact on local residents and communities  
• land use, including the provision of two new public parks north and south of the river. 

Now that the examination has ended, the Examining Authority has three months to write a recommendation report and submit it to the Secretary of State for Transport. The Secretary of State then has up to three months to make a decision on whether to grant the DCO, which if granted would give us permission to build and operate the crossing. The Examining Authority’s recommendation report is not published until a decision is made by the Secretary of State. 

You can find out more and sign up for email updates about the application progress on the Planning Inspectorate’s website.

Read more about the process to get permission to build and operate the Lower Thames Crossing

Find out how your feedback has shaped our proposals.

For further information contact us at info@lowerthamescrossing.co.uk or by calling 0300 123 5000. You can also get the latest updates on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and our YouTube channel.