Julia Lopez MP welcomes a further opportunity for Hornchurch & Upminster residents to comment on further refinements to the Lower Thames Crossing project proposals via the Local Refinement Consultation.
This consultation, running until 20 June, seeks comments on a limited number of local refinements to the project proposals. Locally, these changes consist of improvements for walkers, cyclists and horse riders by the upgrading of the proposed bridge over the A127 east of the M25 junction 29 so that it is accessible to horse riders alongside the provision of a new walking, cycling and horse riding west of the M25 – something which Julia Lopez MP had called for in previous consultations.
Throughout her engagement in this project, in consultation responses and direct discussion, Julia Lopez MP has campaigned for improvements to the accessibility of green spaces and for a series of green walkways as part of the community dividend from the Lower Thames Crossing. These refinements will contribute significantly to improvements in this regard, particularly when coupled with the investment in the Hole Farm community woodland which is being delivered jointly by National Highways and Forestry England irrespective of the development of the Lower Thames Crossing itself. Julia has also worked directly with the Thames Chase Community Forest to ensure that adequate compensatory land is provided to mitigate against the project’s impact upon them and to ensure improved access to the site, and other areas under their management, such as Pages Wood, following the project. To this end Julia has worked with a number of stakeholders to ensure that the bridge connecting Harold Wood Park to Pages Wood is replaced as swiftly as possible as this will also connect a number of green spaces with the new Hole Farm community woodland.
Alongside improvements in green spaces, Julia has also connected the project with local community leaders to consider investment and support that can be made to local heritage sites within the immediate vicinity of the project, such as the restoration of an ancient wall at St. Mary Magdalene Church in North Ockendon.
Other changes under consultation include refinements to electricity works within Thames Chase Community Forest and west of the B186 Warley Street. These changes reduce the amount of land and time required for utility diversions within the Community Forest and, in the case of the Warley Street works, move electricity cables further from residential properties.
While these revisions appear to be positive, as ever, Julia would welcome feedback from constituents before submitting her own feedback to the consultation. Julia will be writing directly to the operators of private recreational facilities identified within the consultation to obtain their feedback on changes that might affect them.
The National Highways Lower Thames Crossing: Local Refinement Consultation will be open until 23.59 on 20 June 2022. Further information on the consultation, consultation materials and consultation events can be found online at: https://ltcconsultation2022.nationalhighways.co.uk/
Please be advised that there will be a consultation event in Hornchurch, at the North Street Hall on Friday 27 May, 2-8pm
