Representation by Lauren Rayner
- Date submitted
- 10 January 2023
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
In summary, I believe permission to build the LTC should not be granted following reasons: -HE have not adequately assessed flood risks and the impact of rising water levels over the coming decades. Nor were assessments of the impact of LTC on air quality, nitrogen deposition and woodlands and wildlife made available during the consultation process. Independent Advisor, [Redacted], has stated that the entire route would fail against WHO PM2.5 standards designed to help protect human health. The impact of air pollution exceeding those limits is well documented in the scientific literature. Local people will die as a direct result of toxic air resulting from the construction and operation of this scheme, years of healthy human life will be lost, and children’s cognitive functioning and mental and physical health will be adversely impacted. Irreplaceable ancient woodlands and habitats for endangered species including newts, water voles and bats and rare fungi will be lost, and SSSIs will be damaged. Noise and light pollution and nitrogen deposition will have further deleterious effects on biodiversity. Compensation planting of saplings on existing grasslands and green bridges will in no way mitigate the loss of ancient woodlands, which have singular benefits in terms of carbon sequestion, biodiversity and as a public amenity. - The cost of the LTC to taxpayers is estimated to be at least £9 billion. At a time when public debt is spiralling, and huge spending is needed to bolster the NHS and decarbonise the economy, it is perverse to spend this sum on a scheme that will, by Highways England's own projections, fail to resolve congestion problems at Dartford. - The LTC will emit an estimated 7million tonnes of carbon in the first 60 years of operation. Granting permission for this scheme would be a regressive step running counter to the government's transport decarbonisation plans and legally binding pledge to be carbon neutral by 2050. - Misinformation and greenwashing has been rife throughout the rounds of consultations. Highly dubious statements like ‘the LTC will improve air quality’ and ‘will have no impact on nitrogen deposition’ have been presented to the public without any data.