Plans for major improvement works at the A2 Bean and Ebbsfleet junction fail to provide a "robust solution to the future", according to Dartford Council.

A report published by a senior council officer has highlighted the proposal by Highways England does not allow for future widening of the A2 and the proposed design of the junction is "unlikely to ease traffic movements" during periods of heavy traffic or road incidents, which are a regular occurrence on that network.

The council's report also notes the type of traffic data used by Highways England in its proposals only accounts for free-flowing traffic, disregarding the frequent incidents or seasonal higher traffic levels associated with the nearby Bluewater Shopping Centre.

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As part of the proposed construction plans, a number of properties located close to the designated site in Bean Lane are to be purchased under a Compulsory Purchase Order and will be demolished, to which the council expressed its "extreme disappointment".

However, it was requested that Highways England give "full and proper consideration" to those currently living in these homes and that "every possible support, financial or otherwise" is made available in order to mitigate any losses.

The Spirits Rest Horse Sanctuary will also be affected, with a number of its rescue horses having to be relocated.

A number of these concerns were also echoed by pressure group Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE), which has lodged an objection towards the plan going ahead.

"There’s a lack of consideration taken into this proposal," said Alex Mills, a member of CPRE who deals with developments within Dartford and Gravesham.

The group's objection to the improvement plans brands the proposed "solution" currently being put to councils as "the wrong one", claiming that increasing the road capacity will only lead to increased congestion.

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It also believes the project lacks the required level of funding to "do the job properly" and will not provide a short-term benefit with regard to traffic flow. "It will increase the amount of stationary traffic but at least be able to handle it," said Mr Mills.

A spokesman for Highways England said: "Improving the busy Bean and Ebbsfleet junctions on the A2 will mean better journeys for drivers and will help provide thousands of new homes and jobs in the area.

"We are grateful to the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England and Dartford Borough Council for engaging with us and we will respond to their concerns as part of the formal consultation process.

"We will continue to work closely with all interested parties to develop the best possible scheme for residents and businesses in the area."

Highways England is currently in the process reviewing all the feedback received during the last round of consultations from which a decision will be made regarding the future of the project.