An update on our Development Consent Order

The Lower Thames Crossing is a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP), which are large, complex infrastructure projects that benefit the entire country.

To get permission to build and operate the new crossing, we must seek consent through a special planning process and be awarded a Development Consent Order (DCO) from the government's independent planning authority, the Planning Inspectorate.

As the most ambitious road scheme since the M25 was completed almost 35 years ago, our Development Consent Order application is one of the most complex applications ever developed.

A Highways England spokesperson said: "We’ve withdrawn the Development Consent Order application for the Lower Thames Crossing based on early feedback we’ve had from the Planning Inspectorate. We will take time to collate the information required for the specific points raised and will be resubmitting the application early in the new year."

Read more on the feedback and our plan here.

A record-breaking programme of consultation

Did you know the design of the Lower Thames Crossing has been shaped by the most comprehensive programme of consultation ever undertaken for a UK road scheme? Find out more here.