LOWER THAMES CROSSING DEVELOPMENT CONSENT ORDER 2025
THE INFRASTRUCTURE PLANNING (ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT)
REGULATIONS 2017
NOTICE OF A DECISION ON AN APPLICATION FOR AN ORDER GRANTING DEVELOPMENT CONSENT FOR EIA DEVELOPMENT

The Secretary of State for Transport (“the Secretary of State”) gives notice under regulation 31(2) of the Infrastructure Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2017 that
a determination has been made on an application made by National Highways (“the Applicant”) for development consent under the Planning Act 2008 (“the 2008 Act”) for Environmental Impact Assessment development.

The Order grants development consent to the A122 (Lower Thames Crossing) a new road crossing 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 Order also includes four changes to existing energy infrastructure, which are Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) in their own right. The Secretary of State has determined, following consideration of the report of the Examining Authority which conducted an examination into the Application, that development consent should be granted and has decided, therefore, to make an Order under section 114, 115 and 120 of the 2008 Act.

The statement of reasons for deciding to make an Order granting development consent, which has been prepared by the Secretary of State under section 116 of the 2008 Act and regulation 31(2) of the Infrastructure Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2017, containing the content of the decision, the requirements imposed in connection with the development, the main reasons and considerations on which the decision is based including relevant information about the participation of the public, a description of the main features to avoid, reduce and offset any major adverse effects of the development and information regarding the right to challenge the decision and the procedures for doing so, is published on the Planning Inspectorate’s website at: https://national-infrastructure-consenting.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/projects/TR010032

It is also available at the following location:
• The Planning Inspectorate, National Infrastructure Directorate, Temple Quay House, Bristol BS1 6PN.
To make an appointment for inspection of the documents contact the Planning Inspectorate on 0303 444 5000 or email NIEnquiries@pins.gsi.gov.uk.