Planning Consent has been given to National Highways to go ahead with the Lower Thames Crossing, which aims to reduce congestion on the M25 at the Dartford Crossing. The Brentwood and Ongar constituency is fortunate in that it will benefit from the project in terms of getting a new community woodland at Hole Farm in Warley and, eventually, less queuing at the Dartford Crossing, but I appreciate it will have more of an adverse impact on neighbouring areas during the construction phase.
Local Transport Minister, Simon Lightwood MP, had provided the following information in a letter to me:
"I am writing to inform you that I have today approved an application made by National Highways for the A122 (Lower Thames Crossing) Development Consent Order, under the Planning Act 2008.
The decision will authorise the construction of the A122, more widely known as the Lower Thames Crossing, a new road connecting Kent, Thurrock and Essex. Approximately 14.5 miles (23km) in length, it will connect to the existing road network from the A2/M2 to the M25 with two tunnels (one southbound and one northbound) running beneath the River Thames.
The scheme also includes improvements to the M25, A2 and A13, where the scheme connects to the road network, new structures and changes to existing ones (including bridges, buildings, tunnel entrances, viaducts, and utilities such as electricity pylons) along the length of the new road and a free flow charging system through the tunnel.
The decision documents, including the Examining Authority’s Report, Development Consent Order, and the decision letter, which set out the full justification for the decision, are all available at the link below:
www.gov.uk/dft https://national-infrastructureconsenting.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/p…;
I am sure you will understand that I am unable to comment on the application specifically beyond directing to the decision letter during the 6 week legal challenge period; however, National Highways may be able to help with any specific queries during this time."
National Highways has also issued a news release which you can read here:
Essex County Council has given its reaction to the news here:
https://www.essex.gov.uk/news/2025/essex-county-council-statement-lower-thames-crossing
