Friday, April 19, 2024
Latest:
Step by step to Consultation 2022
InfoLocal Refinement ConsultationStep by Step 2022

Local Refinement Consultation Step by Step

Web Master

We know some of you appreciate a little extra guidance and help with responding to the consultations, so here is our step by step to the Local Refinement Consultation, which we hope helps!

Remember anyone can respond to the consultation.
  • You don’t have to live locally to the impacted area of LTC, anyone from anywhere can take part if they wish!
  • It is not limited to one per household, everyone can take part
  • Children can take part with parent/guardians permission If they prefer to draw their response an adult can give a brief interpretation if needs be to help analysis!
  • Businesses, school, forums, clubs, organisations etc can take part As long as you have permission to make an official representation on behalf of the company/organisation you can submit a response on their behalf. This doesn’t stop you also taking part as an individual too.
  • You can take part anonymously if you wish
  • You can send more than one response If you have already responded and now have more to say then please respond again!
In the 2016 consultation we tried to help those asking for assistance with responding to the consultation with some template letters. This resulted in Highways England lumping together approx 13,000 responses and counting them as one campaign response.

They’ve done it before and they will do it again, so please do NOT copy and paste anything directly from our website or social media posts, please put your own comments in your own words! They do the same with those online petition style responses to consultations that some charities/organisations use.

Every response counts, so let’s make sure they count them all as individual responses but submitting our own comments in our own words please!
How to take part

You can of course respond using the National Highways consultation response form, but please bear in mind that NH have designed the form to get the answers/feedback they want.  If you do use it please read the wording carefully!  You have until 23:59 on Mon 20th June 2022 to submit the form.

Our preferred way to respond is to send our own comments in our own words either via email or post, you don’t have to use the response form :

  • POST – Send your comments to FREEPOST LTC CONSULTATION
    The freepost address is the only text needed on the envelope and no stamp is required.
    Highways England have confirmed postal responses dated up to and including Tues 21st June 2022 will be accepted.
  • EMAIL – Send your comments to: LTC.CONSULTATION@TRAVERSE.LTD up until 23:59 on Mon 20th June 2022.

HE have also stated that you can call 0300 123 5000 (weekdays between 9am and 5pm) to book an appointment to submit your feedback via the phone. Please be aware that appointments are not available every day.

Please do only use one of the official channels above to respond.  NH will not guarantee that responses to any other address or email will be included in their analysis.

Remember we have until 23:59 on Monday 20th June 2022

 

Where to begin?

We’ve highlighted some questions to ask yourself about some of the main aspects to LTC below.  We hope they will help you decide what you want to comment on, complete with handy links if you want to read up more about any of the topics before commenting.

Please remember to comment in your own words, no copying and pasting, we don’t want NH to try and declare responses as organised group response and count them as one.

Obviously you don’t have to comment on everything, if you don’t want, these are just suggestions. Also you don’t have to comment on them in this particular order, pick and choose and make your response your own!

NB. we will still be adding new info to the website, as we still have more info to publish, but we had to publish this update now rather than leaving it any later, so please do keep an eye out for other info that we’ll be sharing in case you wish to add any other comments on things in your responses, and you can always submit further comments!

First up, it may sound obvious, but don't forget to make it perfectly clear in your response that you oppose or strongly oppose the proposed Lower Thames Crossing, and explain your reasons.

Please bear in mind that National Highways will ask you about different areas, like south of the river or north of the river. Whilst you may not feel like you are in a position to comment on the opposite side of the river to where you are, please remember that being a crossing one side is reliant on the other! So if you strongly oppose it on your side please consider strongly opposing it on the other too, because it's will be all or nothing for a crossing!
And of course anything else you wish to comment on!
  • Do you have concerns that the proposed LTC would destroy thousands of acres of agricultural farmland?
  • Do you have concerns that the loss of agricultural farmland would have on food security?
  • Do you concerns about the impacts to the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty?
  • Do you have concerns that the proposed LTC would emit over 5 million tonnes of carbon?
  • Do you think Government should be progressing such a damaging project at a time of climate emergency?
  • Do you have concerns that electric vehicles are not the panacea that many like to claim?
  • Do you have concerns that if people think electric vehicles are cleaner and greener the issue of congestion will remain?
  • Do you have concerns about the risk of flooding due to the LTC?
  • Do you have any concerns about the loss of, and impacts to woodlands (including ancient woodland), trees, hedgerows?
  • Do you have concerns about LTC destroying The Wilderness?
  • Do you have concerns on the impacts to fungi if the LTC goes ahead?
  • Do you have concerns about the loss of so much greenbelt land if LTC goes ahead?
  • Do you have concerns about the LTC changing the character of our greenbelt spaces?
  • Do you have any concerns about light pollution impacts on wildlife?
  • Do you have concerns about nitrogen deposition impacts associated with the LTC?
  • Do you have concerns on impacts of noise pollution on wildlife?
  • Do you have any concerns about the noise and vibration from the tunnelling of the LTC?
  • Do you think it is acceptable that the LTC would destroy/impact solar farms?
  • Do you think building roads like LTC is in keeping with the Government's transport decarbonisation plans?
  • What concerns do you have about LTC impacts to wildlife?
  • Do you have concerns about the threat the LTC would have on badgers?
  • What do you think about the impacts to water voles?
  • Do you have concerns about the changes to the level of the LTC within the cuttings to the northern end of the proposed route causing extra environmental impacts?
And of course anything else you wish to comment on!
  • Do you have concerns over LTC impacts to our health and well-being?
  • Do you have concerns over air pollution from the LTC? (COPD, asthma, cancer, lung disease etc)
  • Since LTC wouldn't solve the problems at the Dartford Crossing, do you think that those near the Dartford Crossing deserve a real solution to the congestion and air pollution issues?
  • Do you have concerns that the LTC would create a toxic triangle?
  • Do you have concerns that the proposed LTC would add to our already illegally high levels of air pollution?
  • What do you think about the fact that the whole proposed LTC route fails on the newly proposed UK law on air pollution levels (PM2.5) that are coming into law in Oct 2022?
  • Do you have concerns that National Highways are claiming that electric vehicles will mean no air pollution, when the reality is they still emit deadly PM2.5?
  • Do you think it is acceptable for National Highways to not monitor air and noise pollution levels once the LTC is open (if it goes ahead)?
  • Do you have concerns over noise pollution?
  • Do you think the proposed noise barriers are adequate?
  • Do you have concerns over light pollution, things like impacts to your circadian patterns/sleep etc?
  • Do have concerns about the air and noise pollution on schools and care homes etc?
  • Do you have concerns over the negative impact on mental health and well-being?
  • Has or is the whole process of LTC to date had a negative impact on your health and well-being, stress levels etc?
  • Are you stressed about the impacts the proposed LTC would have on the natural environment at a time of climate emergency?
  • Are you concerned that if the LTC goes ahead it would impact your ability to safely exercise and enjoy your local community and natural environment? (You may have concerns about the air pollution, or the loss of valuable habitats that are known to benefit our health and well-being.)
  • Do you have concerns that the pollution in the LTC tunnels would not be filtered and the pollution would come out in the new 'parks'?
  • Do you have concerns about the changes to the level of the LTC within the cuttings to the northern end of the proposed route causing extra health impacts?
And of course anything else you wish to comment on!
More info on the cost of the LTC can be found here this link will open up in a new tab so you can have a read whilst considering the points below as you prepare you own response.
  • Do you think the Government should be spending £8.2bn+ of taxpayers' money on the proposed LTC?
  • Considering it wouldn't solve the problems at the Dartford Crossing, do you think it would be good value for money?
  • Do you think that the associated health costs to the NHS for LTC impacts on health and well-being should be taken into account?
  • Do you think the cost to our natural environment should be given more value?
  • Do you have concerns that LTC would have a negative impact on the local economy?
  • Do you think it is right that National Highways are claiming LTC would have a large economic benefit, yet refuse to share an estimated figure to back up their claims?
  • Do you think it is a false economy that various aspects are being progressed as separate stand alone projects when they should be included within the LTC project, such as Tilbury Link Road, a Rest and Service Area, Blue Bell Hill Improvements, and others?
And of course anything else you wish to comment on!
More info on this aspect can be found here this link will open up in a new tab so you can have a read whilst considering the points below as you prepare you own response.
  • Do you have concerns about the new Orsett Cock - A1089 connection?
  • Does it make sense that NH are predicting that there would be a traffic increase on Conways/Rectory Rd in Orsett because of this proposal?
  • Are you concerned that this proposal would result in congestion and pollution on local roads?
  • Do you think it is acceptable that NH are not providing air and noise pollution information in regard to this new change?
  • Do you have concerns over the increase in traffic?
And of course anything else you wish to comment on!
More info on Tilbury Fields can be found here this link will open up in a new tab so you can have a read whilst considering the points below as you prepare your own response.
  • Do you have concerns on the new land take proposed for Tilbury Fields?
  • Do you have concerns about the loss of Southern Valley Golf Club?
  • Do you have concerns about the fact that the new 'park' is just an excuse to dump spoil from the tunnelling?
  • Do you have concerns about the height of the proposed land forms?
  • Do you have concerns that the change to landscape of the areas proposed for the 'parks' would cause flooding risk?
  • Do you question why NH have added paths in the routes they have? Do you think they are attempting to make their efforts on PRoW look better than they truly are?
  • Do you have concerns that the design would encourage antisocial behaviour?
  • Do you have concerns about the 'park' being so close to the traffic portals and LTC?
  • Do you have concerns over air, noise, and light pollution?
  • Do you have concerns that pollution in the LTC tunnel portals would not be filtered, meaning the pollution would come out into the 'parks'?
  • Do you question why NH are proposing paths that run parallel and zig zag and spiral all over the place?  Could it be to claim a greater length of paths?
And of course anything else you wish to comment on!
More info on the new operations and emergency access point can be found here. This link will open up in a new tab so you can have a read whilst considering the points below as you prepare you own response.

  • Do you have concerns about the location of the new operations/emergency access?
  • Are you concerned that the artists impression of the northern portal area shows arrows in the road for a left filter lane to the operations/emergency access route?
  • Do you have concerns the operations/emergency access points will allow access to non operations/emergency vehicles/people? Would there be a barrier off the LTC onto the access route?
  • Do you have concerns about emergency vehicles use of local roads to access the new Operations and Emergency Access point?
  • Do you have concerns that NH are stating that the access point has been designed to accommodate possible future developments?
  • Do you think the potential future junction would be too close to the tunnel portals?
  • Do you think the loops and roundabout would be an issue for large numbers of large HGVs to be manoeuvring if it did result in a future junction?
  •  Do you think that the Tilbury Link Road should have been included in the LTC project?  Is it a false economy to progress it as a separate stand alone project, leading to a questionable representation of benefit cost ratio?
  • What do you think about the potential for anti-social behaviour in this location?
  • Do you have concerns about the possibility of this area becoming a potential suicide location?
And of course anything else you wish to comment on!
  • Do you have concerns about the lack of adequate connections for traffic to migrate between the two crossings when there are incidents?
  • Do you think National Highways should consider and plan how traffic would migrate between the two crossings, if LTC goes ahead?
  • Do you think that the proposed LTC is fit for purpose in regard to its impact on existing roads?
  • Do you have any concerns about emergency vehicle access to both incidents on the LTC, and to incidents in our communities due to LTC related traffic and congestion?
  • Do you have concerns about how the Orsett Cock - A1089 south connection would impact existing roads? (Please also see separate details on this proposed change above)
  • Do you have concerns about traffic rat running on local roads?
  • Do you have concerns over the LTC traffic impacts on Gallows Corner?
  • Do you have concerns that National Highways are not taking the proposed London Resort theme park into account with LTC traffic modelling?
  • Do you have any concerns about road closures during construction if LTC goes ahead?
  • Do you have any concerns about the Stanford Detour impacts?
And of course anything else you wish to comment on!
More info on nitrogen deposition can be found here. This link will open up in a new tab so you can have a read whilst considering the points below as you prepare you own response.
  • Do you have concerns about the nitrogen deposition impacts of the LTC?
  • Do you have concerns about the impacts to ancient woodlands, SSSI etc?
  • Do you have concerns that National Highways have not completed the associated surveys but are making claims in regard to nitrogen deposition?
  • Is it right that National Highways are consulting us on nitrogen deposition when they have not yet completed the associated surveys?
  • Do you think that NH have assessed adequate and relevant designated sites?
  • Did you think the map showing the designated sites was adequate to identify everything you needed?
  • Did you question why any of the sites NH say would be significantly impacted would be impacted by LTC, such as the random site in South Benfleet?
  • Do you think the Swanscombe Peninsula SSSI should be included as a designated site for nitrogen deposition assessments?
  • Do you have concerns about nitrogen deposition impacts on sites like Swanscombe Peninsula SSSI when traffic is attempting to migrate between the two crossings when there are incidents?
  • Since it is extremely likely that at least some construction vehicles would emit nitrogen, do you think it acceptable for NH to claim there would be no significant nitrogen deposition impacts as a result of constructing the LTC?
  • What do you think about NH decision not to mitigate the nitrogen deposition impacts?
  • What do you think about speed enforcement proposals on the M2 between junctions 4 and 3 east of the A229 Blue Bell Hill?
  • Can you understand why NH believe traffic would speed on that section of road due to the LTC?
  • Do you have questions over why the Option C Variant was ruled out as a route option when clearly now the impacts of LTC traffic on the A229 Blue Bell Hill are so apparent?
  • Does it concern you that Natural England believe Epping Forest Special Area of Conservation would be impacted by nitrogen deposition?
  • Do you have concerns that if a site so far from the LTC, as Epping Forest, would be impacted others closer may also be more significantly affected than NH are suggesting?
  • Do you think that the speed limit westbound between junctions 27 and 26 on the M25 (for 4 years after LTC opens) should be reduced to lessen nitrogen deposition impacts?
  • Do you wish to comment on the fact Natural England and others do not agree with National Highways assessments of nitrogen deposition?
  • Do you think that NH should give more consideration to Natural England's feedback on mitigation measures?
  • What do you think about possible future funding for mitigation to landowners moving forward?
  • What do you think about the proposals for compensation sites?
  • Do you agree with how they propose to create the compensation sites?
  • Do you have concerns about the loss of yet more farmland due to the compensation sites?
  • Do you have concerns about the use of the old landfill site surrounding Linford Tip being used as compensation land? Any concerns about the potential of contaminated land being disturbed?
  • Do you question whether this council owned land, that is likely due to be landscaped as a condition of the landfill use regardless of LTC, is being proposed for landscaping for the LTC compensation land?
  • Please also see separate section on Hole Farm in the Step by Step
And of course anything else you wish to comment on!
More info on Hole Farm can be found here this link will open up in a new tab so you can have a read whilst considering the points below as you prepare you own response.

  • Do you find it questionable that National Highways have attempted to use Hole Farm to greenwash the LTC?
  • Do you think it acceptable that National Highways are now proposing to use Hole Farm for nitrogen deposition compensation land when they have already declared publicly that Hole Farm Community Woodland would go ahead regardless of LTC as a NH project to improve biodiversity along the M25?
  • Do you find it questionable that NH are still proposing to progress Hole Farm Community Woodland with a planning application to Brentwood Council to change land use from agricultural to woodland, and to start planting trees later this year (if granted permission), and then try to claim the land as compensation for nitrogen deposition in regard to LTC?  Is this not double counting the 'benefits' of the same site?
  • Do you think Hole Farm is in a good location to be open to the public when unless you live within walking distance (which not many do) you would have to drive there to visit?
  • Do you think it is acceptable for National Highways to plant trees at Hole Farm in winter 2022-23 and then dig those trees up to use along the LTC route, if it goes ahead?
  • Do you think it adequate that NH have not completed ecology surveys of Hole Farm before declaring they are using it to improve biodiversity and as compensation land for nitrogen deposition?
And of course anything else you wish to comment on!
  • Do you think National Highways should be considering public transport options in regard to the LTC?
  • Do you think it is acceptable to build LTC knowing it won't be viable for bus services due to lack of adequate connections?
  • Do you think other modes of transport should be considered when planning a new crossing?
  • Do you think there should be provision for cyclists to use the crossing as there is at the Dartford Crossing?
  • Do you have concerns that whilst the LTC would be an A road, it would have motorway restrictions meaning non-motorway traffic, such as cyclists etc could not use it?
  • Do you have concerns about impacts to public transport and active travel during construction with road and path closures and diversions?
  • Do you question why NH are proposing paths that run parallel and zig zag and spiral all over the place?  Could it be to claim a greater length of paths?
  • Do you have concerns that NH are not committing to what surfaces would be used on the paths?
  • Do you have concerns about walkers, cyclists, and horse riders all sharing the same paths?
  • Do you have concerns over anti-social behaviour on the paths?
  • Would there be adequate access for wheelchairs, prams, push chairs, mobility scooters etc?
And of course anything else you wish to comment on!
More info on Construction can be found here this link will open up in a new tab so you can have a read whilst considering the points below as you prepare you own response.
  • Do you have concerns about construction of the proposed LTC, if it goes ahead?
  • Do you have concerns that the construction would take 6-7 years?
  • Do you have concerns about the 24/7 construction works?
  • With some roads closed for years during construction, do you have concerns about road closures during construction?
  • Do you have concerns over access to homes and businesses during construction?
  • Do you have concerns over air, noise, light, and vibration pollution during construction?
  • Do you have concerns over environmental impacts of construction?
  • Do you have concerns about closures and diversions of footpaths, cycle routes, and bridleways during construction?
  • Do you have concerns about the locations of the construction compounds?
  • Do you have concerns about the proposal to move a section of the LTC compound near the M25 right next to North Ockendon Conservation Area?
  • Do you have concerns about the construction traffic routes?
  • Do you have concerns about the disruption construction would cause?
  • Do you think it is arrogant that National Highways are already going out to tender on construction works, even though they don't yet have permission?
  • Since it is extremely likely that at least some construction vehicles would emit nitrogen, do you think it acceptable for NH to claim there would be no nitrogen deposition as a result of constructing the LTC?
And of course anything else you wish to comment on!
  • Do you have any concerns about safety aspects of the proposed LTC?
  • Do you have concerns that the LTC is being designed to 'smart' motorway standards?
  • Do you have concerns about the fact 'smart' technology would be used on the LTC?
  • Do you have concerns about the 'smart' cameras picking up traffic with fog etc across the fens?
  • Do you have concerns about the lack of hard shoulder?
  • Do you have concerns about the estimated amount of accidents on the LTC?
  • Do you have concerns about the predicted amount of incidents and associated road/lane closures if the LTC goes ahead?
  • Do you have concerns about access to the LTC for emergency services?
  • Do you have concerns that the LTC would have impacts on our emergency services resources to continue serving our communities sufficiently?  Would it put too much pressure on our emergency services?
  • Do you think our local hospitals would cope with the increase in incidents associated with the LTC?
  • Do you have concerns about safety in regard to electric vehicles breaking down and not being able to be moved quickly and easily?
  • Do you have concerns about safety of electric vehicles potentially catching fire?
  • Do you have concerns about the fact NH are only proposing turning on the fans in the tunnels when traffic is stationary ie an incident which could result in vehicle fire, with the fans feeding the fire?
  • Do you have any concerns about the risk of unexploded ordnance (bombs) going off during construction of LTC?
And of course anything else you wish to comment on!
  • Since the proposed LTC is not fit for purpose, do you think there are better alternatives than the proposed LTC? If so provide details.
  • Do you think Option A14 is a better option?
  • Do you think rail and tram options would be better and should be considered?
  • Do you think the route selection process was adequately considered and consulted on?
  • Are there other things you think £8.2bn+ of taxpayers' money would be better spent on?
And of course anything else you wish to comment on!
  • Do you think the consultation was adequate?
  • What do you think about them holding the consultation so close to local elections/purdah?
  • Do you think five and a half weeks was long enough?
  • If you live within 2km of the proposed LTC, did you receive a leaflet advising you that there was a consultation?
  • Did you manage to get all the info you needed to respond to the consultation?
  • Do you think the consultation materials are clear and informative?
  • Did you spot any mistakes in the consultation materials? Mis-spelt place names, wrongly labelled info/names, incorrect info, misleading info, confusing info, contradictory info?
  • Did you find the LTC interactive map easy to use?
  • Did you experience any issues when using the interactive map?
  • Did you find it easy to refer to the Maps available in the consultation? Did the key to different aspects of the maps make sense?
  • Do you have concerns that the East Tilbury event was only added later (due to pressure from the council, forums, TCAG, and others), and was not listed on the consultation event?
  • Do you have concerns that certain areas such as Chadwell St Mary and South Ockendon did not have consultation events?
  • If you attended an event were you able to get the info you wanted?  Were the staff knowledgeable and helpful?
  • What did you think of the consultation website?
  • If you contacted NH/LTC via email how satisfied were you with the response?
  • Did you have any issues with taking part in the consultation?
  • Do you think previous consultations have been adequate?
  • Is it right that National Highways are consulting us on nitrogen deposition when they have not yet completed the associated surveys?
  • How are we supposed to make considered meaningful response comments without this important info?
  • Did you think the map showing the designated sites for nitrogen deposition assessment was adequate to identify everything you needed?
  • Because many will rely on accessing the info online, did you have concerns about rising energy costs putting you off spending the time you needed or wanted to online due to concerns about electric bills?
  • Did you have concerns about travelling to get to a consultation event because of concerns about fuel costs, if you had to travel due to lack of local events?
  • What did you think of the LTC consultation videos?
And of course anything else you wish to comment on!
  • Do you think National Highways are trying to rush through consultation to get the DCO in?
  • Do you have concerns over the impacts to potential future housing and Local Plan requirements?
  • Have you experienced any issues in regard to the LTC investigative works?  If so provide details
  • Do you wish to comment on any legal challenges that are relevant to the LTC?
  • Do you have any concerns on the LTC impacts to leisure?
  • Do you wish to comment on any aspects of the MPs LTC Adjournment Debate?
  • Because many will rely on accessing the info online, did you have concerns about rising energy costs putting you off spending the time you needed or wanted to online due to concerns about electric bills?
  • Did you have concerns about travelling to get to a consultation event because of concerns about fuel costs, if you had to travel due to lack of local events?
  • Do you have concerns about the impact to the area where Queen Elizabeth 1 gave her great speech?
  • Do you have any concerns about impacts to other historic sites/buildings?
  • Do you have concerns about impacts to scheduled monuments?
  • Do you have any concerns about the impacts to Special Category Land?
  • Do you have any concerns or comments about the tunnel section of the LTC?
  • Do you think that the proposed route is the best option?
  • Do you think Option A14 or another alternative would be better?
  • Do you have any comments on the proposed user charges for the LTC?
We've tried to highlight some of the issues and concerns that you may wish to include in your response. However, please remember that it is your response and you should include anything and everything that you personally want to feedback to HE about the proposed LTC and consultation.
  • Do you think it is inadequate for NH to state in the consultation guide that the ground level at Chalk Park would be maintained, despite when being questioned admitting it would actually be raised by approx 15m above existing ground level?
  • Do you have concerns about the LTC construction compound near M25 being moved closer to North Ockendon Conservation Area? (This is a new update after we received further info from NH)
  • Do you think it is acceptable for NH to not include the proposal to move the LTC construction compound near M25 in this consultation?
  • Why do you think the LTC would fail to meet the project objectives?
More coming soon!

Remember to ensure you use one of the official channels to submit your Lower Thames Crossing Local Refinement Consultation response by 23:59 on Monday 20th June 2022.