To approve as a correct record the minutes of the Lower Thames Crossing Task Force meeting held on 20 June 2022.

The minutes of the meeting from the Lower Thames Crossing Task Force held on 20 June 2022 were approved as a true and correct record.

To receive additional items that the Chair is of the opinion should be considered as a matter of urgency, in accordance with Section 100B (4) (b) of the Local Government Act 1972.

There were no items of urgent business.

There were no interests declared.

The National Highways (NH) Representative gave his presentation, which can be found at the following web link: (Public Pack)Item 5 - National Highways Presentation Agenda Supplement for Lower Thames Crossing Task Force, 19/09/2022 18:00 (thurrock.gov.uk)

The Chair questioned the impact that the LTC could have on the local road network, and asked if NH would commit to monitor the local roads, and provide funding if traffic on local roads were to increase. The NH Representative explained that although traffic would increase in some areas, there would be an overall improvement in traffic flows on a wider level. He added that NH would be introducing a traffic monitoring plan on a series of roads, which would be determined using feedback from Thurrock Council. He stated that the traffic monitoring plan would be shared at a later date after it had been approved by the Secretary of State. The NH Representative commented that the monitoring would be in place one year before the route opened, although Thurrock would be consulted with before monitoring began. He stated that the monitoring would be in place for one and five years after route opening. He commented that no funding would be given by NH for any mitigation or local road improvements as central government funded the local and strategic road network through the Department for Transport. The Chair queried if monitoring one year before road opening would be long enough, as this would not take into consideration the impact of construction on the local road network. The NH Representative explained that monitoring would also be taking place during the construction period, and NH would be working with Thurrock Council to identify appropriate locations. He added that NH would also be identifying areas where construction traffic could have an adverse impact on the condition of the road. He explained that NH would be improving these areas to ensure they were in a good condition before any works would begin on the route.

Councillor Muldowney highlighted data from the impact consultation in 2020, and felt that Chadwell St Mary would be surrounded by roads such as the A1089, A128 and the proposed LTC, which would increase traffic by approximately 50-80% in the area during operation. She asked how NH would be reducing the impact of this traffic in areas such as Chadwell St Mary. The NH Representative stated that an air quality assessment would be carried out, and although areas very close to the road would see increased levels of pollution, the proposed road would improve air quality in other areas as traffic flow improved and vehicles were moved onto the LTC and away from the local road network. He added that he did not have specific figures regarding Chadwell St Mary, but traffic on the A1089 and A128 could reduce due to the LTC. The Senior Consultant Stantec added that Thurrock Council had been given a briefing presentation last week on this issue, but no detailed information was provided. Councillor Muldowney asked if there would be  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11.

The Senior Consultant Stantec explained that NH were aiming to submit their DCO by mid-November, and if this was ‘accepted’ by the Planning Inspectorate (PINS) then the scheme would enter into the pre-examination phase. He explained that this phase would last between 3-5 months as five inspectors needed to be appointed and the likely approximately 60,000 pages of DCO documentation needed to be considered. He stated during this phase the inspectors would possibly request further information, would formulate questions for NH and key stakeholders, and the Council would prepare their Local Impact report and Relevant and Written Representations. The Senior Consultant Stantec explained that if the DCO was not agreed, there could be another delay of approximately one to two years. The Senior Consultant Stantec explained that if the DCO was agreed by PINS a Rule 6 letter would be issued that would outline when the process would start and the timetable. He mentioned that there was no flexibility in the timetable and the Council and other stakeholders would have to attend when called and would have three weeks to respond to any written questions. The Senior Consultant Stantec added that it is likely that there would be a number of topic specific hearings, such as compulsory land purchase, air quality, noise, traffic modelling, and there would also be open floor hearings where members of the public, if registered, could make a statement and ask questions.

The Chair queried who could register as an interested party. The Senior Consultant Stantec explained that a group, individual or business could register. Councillor Byrne if a document outlining the process could be provided to councillors, so they could share with local residents and forums. The Senior Consultant Stantec agreed to produce a document and circulate via Democratic Services.

The Stantec Senior Consultant explained that NH had refused to give information such as air quality, noise, and health data to Thurrock Council until DCO submission. He stated that officers had recently attended NH DCO briefings on a number of environmental topics, such as: landscape; biodiversity; geology and soils; materials and assets; road drainage and water; cultural and heritage; air quality and noise; health; and climate and carbon. He commented that the presentations from the briefings could be shared with the Task Force. The Assistant Director Regeneration and Place Delivery highlighted that even after the briefings, Thurrock Council still required technical data and information.

The Task Force did not have any items to add to the Work Programme. The Chair stated that an urgent item of business may be added to November’s meeting, depending on when NH submitted the DCO.