Representation by Thames Gateway Tramlink Ltd (Thames Gateway Tramlink Ltd)
- Date submitted
- 27 March 2021
- Submitted by
- Non-statutory organisations
Representation for the planning application of The London Resort (LRCH) Planning Inspectorate Reference: BC080001 Submission by Thames Gateway Tramlink Ltd (KenEx) 27 March 2021 Thames Gateway Tramlink Ltd (TGT) welcomes the proposed investment in the construction of a new World Class theme park for the UK to be built on the Swanscombe peninsula, and recognises the benefits of increased employment prospects within the geographic area affected by high levels of deprivation and with few large centres of work opportunities. This area of the Thames Estuary, including North Kent and South Essex, would benefit greatly from the opportunities arising from the proposal. TGT examined how this proposal works within the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) in the scheme’s approach to achieving sustainable development and promoting environmentally sustainable transport, and we propose the following points: 1. Integrated sustainable transport options (including cross river) should be properly identified, assessed and considered, including appropriate opportunities for avoiding and mitigating any adverse effects of the development, and for net environmental gains. The following will result in a positive impact which would help LRCH to comply with NPPF but which are not properly identified within their application: • Ebbsfleet Southern Rail Link (within Kent County Council and Network Rail strategies) • KenEx cross river tram (Outline Business Case with DfT). 2. We are aware of the proposed SSSI status of the LRCH development area. Importantly, the reduction of the land take required by cars (e.g. road space and car parking allocation) and particulate pollution from road vehicles are more significant within the SSSI. An environmentally sound answer to the LRCH application would be the KenEx tramway and rail solutions generally. 3. The proposal to utilise Greenhithe station for connection with the North Kent Rail Line rather than Swanscombe station is very disruptive to local residents. The use of Greenhithe station results in significant numbers of late night buses going through residential areas. By using Swanscombe station as a connection node much nearer to the London Resort entrance these issues can be avoided. 4. The use of ferries from Tilbury as a major form of access has not been properly thought through for the following reasons: • Reliance is still placed on car dependency at Tilbury with the associated land loss for parking and particulate pollution from road vehicles. • There would be navigational issues with the existing river traffic. The London Resort application needs to follow the NPPF which includes: “opportunities from existing or proposed transport infrastructure, and changing transport technology and usage, are realised – for example in relation to the scale, location or density of development that can be accommodated.” “opportunities to promote walking, cycling and public transport use are identified and pursued.” Thames Gateway Tramlink welcomes the opportunity to further engage with LRCH to assist with the planning and construction of an integrated sustainable transport system for London Resort and the surrounding area. The TGT transport plan covers both sides of the Thames Estuary. Working in partnership with other public transport agencies we provide a comprehensive transport solution.