DARTFORD Council leader Jeremy Kite has revealed his hopes for the announcement about the Lower Thames Crossing expected on Thursday morning (Dec 12).

The controversial issue has divided residents and the public consultation closed in May.

The outcome is expected at around 9.30am on Thursday.

The three options were:
(A) a new crossing at the existing Dartford/Thurrock crossing site,
(B) a new crossing that would connect the A2 at the Swanscombe Peninsula with the A1089
(C) a new crossing that would connect further down the Thames on the eastern side of Gravesend.

 

News Shopper: Leader of Dartford Council Jeremy Kite

Dartford Council leader Jeremy Kite told News Shopper: "I don't know what the announcement will say but I hope it lift the threat of the bridge at the Scanscombe Paramount site because that would take away some of the barriers facing the project.

"I would like Option C, which has proved very popular with businesses, although I would like some enviromental protection built in with that."

Dartford MP Gareth Johnson has opposed any option for a Lower Thames Crossing that goes through Dartford.

News Shopper: MP for Dartford Gareth Johnson opened with a speech

He said: “I personally want to see options A and B off the table.

“Option A wouldn’t really give any alternative for motorists and option B would snuff out any opportunity for development in the Swanscombe Peninsula, which is currently being investigated as a site for a theme park.

“That land has massive potential, right next to the High Speed 1 station at Ebbsfleet. It is one of the most promising pieces of land in Europe.

“The potential for the area would be severely diminished by locating a crossing there. We have the opportunity of using that land to encourage huge investment in to the area. 

He added: "I also believe it would be premature to give the go-ahead to another Thames crossing right now."