The Working Group will receive details on the Belvedere Crossing Consultation.

Officers informed the group that at the end of 2015 / beginning of 2016, TfL had undertaken further consultation on its proposed river crossings east of the Silvertown Tunnel.  It was that noted an earlier Havering response had been made to these proposals in 2014 in which Havering had ‘strongly objected’ to a crossing between Bexley and Havering. 

TfL had progressed the work following the 2014 consultation. The options in the most recent consultation included a bridge or tunnel proposal between Belvedere - Rainham together with looking at scope for increases in public transport facilities at both the Gallions Reach and Belvedere – Rainham crossings.

Officers outlined the points covered in the Council’s response to the most recent consultation. These included concerns about :

• the increased flow of traffic to the area
• impacts on the highways network
• adverse environmental impacts; and
• the potential for adverse impacts on the regeneration of London Riverside and the delivery of the Council’s Housing Zone programme
• the likely potential public transport benefits from a crossing between Belvedere and Rainham are considerably less than those for the Gallions Reach crossing.

Officers reported that ahead of formally responding to TfL regarding the most recent consultation, the Leader had sent a letter to TfL’s Managing Director (Planning) setting out Havering’s concerns and wish to work with TfL as the proposals are developed. A positive response had been received from TfL and it confirmed that it is keen to work with the boroughs on any issues raised. The Council welcomes this and, notwithstanding that Havering has again strongly objected to the Belvedere/ Rainham crossing, it will work with TfL to address the issues raised. 

Officers reported that TfL has had some 4,500 responses to the consultation. TfL says that these indicate a high level support for the options at both the Gallions Reach and the Belvedere/ Rainham crossings.

The Chairman enquired about the Woolwich Ferry and how that might be affected.  Officers agreed they would provide details of the Woolwich Ferry service outside of the meeting.  It was noted, however, that the future of the ferry was uncertain at this stage as it would need more investment and could be a statutory provision. [A response would be sent to the Working Party Chairman and other attendees on this matter].