In accordance with Chapter 2, Part 2 (Rule 15) of the Council’s Constitution.

The Motion, as printed in the Agenda, was proposed by Councillor J. Kent and seconded by Councillor B. Rice. The Motion read as follows:

“This Council remains opposed to government plans for a further river crossing in Thurrock and commits to continue campaigning, alongside local residents, on this issue.”

Councillor J. Kent introduced the motion, and in doing so, expressed concern that all of the options for the new Lower Thames Crossing would put increased pressure on the existing road network in the Borough and cause enormous damage to the greenbelt and villages, especially Options A and C, which he understood were the preferred options of Government. He felt that it was time to reassert a unanimous decision to oppose the new Lower Thames Crossing to government and Thurrock MP’s as hundreds of responses had been received to the ‘none of the above’ campaign.

Councillor Jones expressed frustration that the government seemingly continued not to listen to Thurrock residents who did not want a new Lower Thames Crossing in the Borough, which he added would also exacerbate issues around Air Quality that was already recorded as the worst in the Country at certain times.

Councillor G. Rice stated that he would be supporting the motion as one of the proposed routes would come within a distance of 500 yards of homes in Chadwell-St-Mary, decimate the countryside and destroy the historic area of West Tilbury. He reported that what was needed was an outer orbital crossing to decrease levels of traffic congestion on the M25 and called upon colleagues across the Chamber to take a united stand against the proposals.

Councillor Ray explained that he would be supporting the motion but he felt that government’s consideration of where the crossing should be would be dictated by funding, which was why he felt that Option A would be approved as it would be of negligible cost to government.

Councillor Gledhill highlighted that the Borough already did not have a good Air Quality record and that Option C would see the bulldozing of greenbelt land and a bridge as tall as The Shard. He reaffirmed his support for the motion as Thurrock already had increased traffic problems, and agreed that an outer ring road such as Option D would be preferred.

Councillor Worrall stated that she did not know of anyone in Thurrock who supported a new crossing which would cut across the countryside and reduce air quality, and therefore expressed her disappointment at a recent press article from a local MP which reported that 90% of residents had been consulted.

Councillors V. Holloway and Gerrish explained that the plans would impact residents of Purfleet and called for cross-party consensus.

Councillor Palmer remarked that the plans would completely destroy the conservation village and historic site of West Thurrock.

Councillor Coxshall observed that the local MP’s comments had been misreported and not been presented correctly during the debate.

Councillor C. Holloway felt that the two Thurrock MP’s were accountable and called on them to do the right thing and listen to the views of Thurrock residents.

Councillor Snell advised that he would be supporting the motion but felt that there was still a degree of ambiguity around the plans, and called upon the local MP to clarify the position.

Councillor B. Rice highlighted that it was a pleasure to second the motion and felt that every Councillor should stand up and be counted on the matter to work collaboratively against the plans. She reported that Option D had already been ruled out by Government due to the cost and reaffirmed that Thurrock was 100% opposed to any new crossing in the Borough.

Upon being put to the vote, Members voted unanimously in favour of the Motion, whereupon the Deputy Mayor declared the motion was carried.

RESOLVED:

This Council remains opposed to government plans for a further river crossing in Thurrock and commits to continue campaigning, alongside local residents, on this issue.