The Lower Thames Crossing will be the first major infrastructure project to trial a new approach aimed at simplifying environmental regulation, ministers have confirmed.
Environment Secretary Steve Reed said the move could make some projects “faster” by reducing and consolidating the number of environmental checks required.
The crossing, which will create a new link between Kent and Essex, involves the construction of two road tunnels beneath the River Thames. Once completed, it will form the UK’s longest road tunnel, connecting the A2/M2 near Gravesend to the M25 at Tilbury.
Government approval for the scheme was granted in March.
As part of the new system, Natural England will act as the lead environmental regulator for the project. Other agencies, including the Environment Agency and the Marine Management Organisation, will continue to provide advice but will not lead on oversight. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said this model should shorten approval times for planning and environmental assessments, while also lowering costs. Any major obstacles could be escalated to Defra’s new infrastructure board for resolution.
The idea of appointing a single lead environmental regulator was one of the key recommendations from the Corry Review, which examined how environmental protections could be managed without stalling large-scale projects. Ministers are due to respond to other aspects of the review next week.
Mr Reed said: “Britain’s planning rules are so complicated they’ve blocked development of new homes and businesses.
“Under the Government’s Plan for Change, a new approach will see a lead environmental regulator appointed to smooth the system and keep projects firmly on track.
“This means faster transport, energy and housing developments nationwide that will be better for the economy and properly protect the environment.”
