Thurrock Council will reaffirm its opposition to the Lower Thames Crossing in a letter to Highway England.

The Government’s highways agency launched a new consultation on the design of the crossing at the end of June after carrying out refinements to the design, including minor changes to the road layout and updated paths for walkers, cyclists and horse riders.

In a letter, Thurrock Council will say it continues to oppose the project which will cut through the middle of the borough, starting on the M25 near South Ockendon and running through Tilbury before crossing the River Thames to Kent.

The letter will highlight a range of concerns with the latest design, including noise barriers that will “give rise to significant impacts for residents living in close proximity”, and the updated paths that “do not form part of a comprehensive strategy” for travel.

The council has also raised concerns over the way the consultation has been carried out.

A report published ahead of a meeting next week, explained there are “significant issues” with the consultation due to it being held during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The report said: “The council is concerned that not only will directly affected residents and the wider community be at a disadvantage in meaningfully engaging with the ‘virtual’ Design Refinement Consultation, for example, due to lack of ability to hold ‘in person’ exhibitions, view notices in public locations, and inspect documents.”