Representation by Thames Estuary Growth Board (Thames Estuary Growth Board)
- Date submitted
- 23 February 2023
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
The Thames Estuary Growth Board fully endorses the Lower Thames Crossing application for Development Consent. The Thames Estuary Growth Board combines private and public sector representatives with a purpose to capitalise upon the region’s unique assets and its supreme location to convert its potential into good, green growth for the local area and national economy. Central to realizing this growth is investment in critical infrastructure such as the Lower Thames Crossing. Highlighted below is a summary of how the Lower Thames Crossing supports the objectives of the Thames Estuary Growth Board in ensuring the benefits, potential and opportunities of the Thames Estuary are maximised. Growth • Through our emerging work with Homes England and local councils, the strategic need for the Lower Thames Crossing is essential if the Estuary is to deliver even ‘business as usual’ level of growth. • Strategic investment in the Lower Thames Crossing connecting new employment and planned homes will be critical if the levels of growth envisaged in the Thames Estuary 2050 Growth Commission are to be delivered. • The new crossing will further contribute to improving economic growth in the region by supporting the government’s Freeport proposals, together playing an important role in the region’s future. Commercial • The congestion on the existing Dartford Crossing is having negative impact on local communities and businesses in affecting air quality and slowing down the economy. • The Lower Thames Crossing is essential for the encouragement of local business investment, to provide better access to better jobs and homes and to support the health and prosperity of local communities. Environment • The Lower Thames Crossing will be the country’s leading carbon neutral infrastructure project. • The projects intended focus on hydrogen will accelerate the delivery of the Thames Estuary hydrogen ecosystem, supporting the development of local business supply chains and leaving a legacy for the area. • Our work in interesting business and investors in this ecosystem has already begun. As such, we wholly support the Lower Thames Crossing’s aspiration to lead the way for the delivery of green transport infrastructure in the UK. Social • The Lower Thames Crossing has the potential to help improve the lives of millions of people, by creating more than 20,000 jobs, as well as skills opportunities, training, apprenticeships and opening access to good jobs within the Estuary and beyond. Its impact in linking North and South will directly support Levelling Up. As a board with the interest of the people and business of the Thames Estuary at its heart, we’d like to see the benefits of the Lower Thames Crossing realised as soon as possible.