LTC Minor Refinements Consultation launched
National Highways have today (17th May 2023) launched a further round of Lower Thames Crossing consultation, the LTC Minor Refinements Consultation.
The consultation will last just over a month and begins at 00:01 on Wednesday 17th May and will run to 23:59 on Monday 19th June 2023.
We were first alerted to this consultation when the Planning Inspectorate (PINS) sent a letter out about LTC DCO procedural decisions, it informed everyone that National Highways had notified them of yet another round of LTC consultation, the Minor Refinements Consultation.
The initial information about the new consultation is included in a report to PINS.
The consultation is a non-statutory consultation. It was originally suggested by NH that it would run around April to May 2023 and last a minimum of 30 days. We voiced concerns about the timing clashing with local election purdah period.
We have have since been advised by National Highways that the LTC Minor Refinements Consultation will run from Weds 17th May through to Mon 19th June 2023.
What they will consult on?
- Reduction of Nitrogen Deposition compensation area and Order Limits at Blue Bell Hill and Burham
- Increase in limits of deviation for the northern tunnel entrance headwall
- Revised utility proposals at East Tilbury (three changes)
- How the tunnels beneath the River Thames could be constructed by either two tunnel boring machines, or by using a single tunnel boring machine to construct both
More info can be found on the consultation website and in the consultation booklet.
The original NH notification to PINS provided some details on what we might expect in the consultation.
How can we find out more?
The LTC Minor Refinements Consultation website went live at 00:01 on Weds 17th May 2023.
There will be a single consultation document and response form, and you can also use the online response form or email your response to consultationresponses@lowerthamescrossing.co.uk.
Whilst the consultation will be predominantly an online consultation, a small number of physical copies will be produced and issued on request, either by emailing info@lowerthamescrossing.co.uk or calling 0300 123 5000.
Unlike previous consultations NH have advised there will not be any consultation events for this consultation. Instead if you have any questions you will need to email info@lowerthamescrossing.co.uk or phone: 0300 123 5000.
NH have advised it will be a targeted consultation focusing on those in the areas affected by the proposed changes. They have stated that those who have registered as an Interest Party, ie those that have registered to take part in the LTC DCO, will also have the opportunity to take part in the consultation.
NH will publish non-statutory notices in the national and local press – The Times, Essex Chronicle, Kent Messenger, London Gazette, Romford Recorder, Thurrock Gazette, Lloyd’s List and the Fishing News.
NH will promote the consultation via an email to those who have previously asked to be kept informed of LTC related information (around 43,000 people). Local authorities will be briefed on the consultation shortly before launch. National Highways social media channels will also be used to promote the consultation.
NH have told us
“As these changes are limited in scope and impact we are proposing a proportionate and targeted consultation including:
- Writing to directly affected landowners
- Emails to those who have asked to be kept up to date about the Lower Thames Crossing
- A single consultation document, hosted online and available in print, upon request
- A dedicated consultation website
- Promotion of the consultation through local media and social media”
ALL RESPONSES NEED TO BE SUBMITTED BY 23:59 ON MON 19TH JUNE 2023.
What happens after the consultation?
NH will submit a summary of the consultation responses to PINS with the formal change submission confirming who has been consulted in relation to the proposed changes, how they have been consulted, set out the feedback received, and how NH has considered this feedback.
Related
LTC Minor Refinements Consultation – taking part – click here
LTC Minor Refinements Consultation Updates Index – click here
LTC Procedural Decisions letter – click here