Civils contractors today welcomed news that the UK Government has given planning approval to the Lower Thames Crossing by saying the scheme will add ‘billions’ to the economy.
The Secretary of State for Transport Heidi Alexander MP has approved the Lower Thames Crossing Development Consent Order, which means that the project now has planning approval.
There will now be a six-week period in which applications for judicial review may be considered before the UK Government makes a decision on funding the scheme.
Commenting, Director of Operations for the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA) Marie-Claude Hemming said: “This is an important milestone in the journey towards delivering a scheme that, once built, will add billions to the UK economy.
“The Lower Thames Crossing will not only drive economic growth and create jobs but will tackle the severe pinch-point at Dartford that is costing the UK up to £200 million a year.
“Now that the scheme has planning approval we call on the UK Government to swiftly make a decision as to how it will be funded – whether through the use of private finance or otherwise.
“For the full benefits of the scheme to be realised as soon as possible it is vital that industry can get spades in the ground without further delay, so that industry can deliver a project that will not only benefit businesses and communities across the south of England, but will be a driver of growth in the UK economy as a whole.”
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