OPPONENTS of a proposed £9 billion road crossing between Kent and Essex say they are “devastated and deeply disappointed” after it got the go ahead from Government reports the Local Democracy Reporter.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has approved a Development Consent Order (DCO) application by National Highways for the 14.5-mile Lower Thames Crossing – a move described as “madness” by campaigners.

Work on the project has been ongoing since 2009, and more than £800 million of taxpayers’ money has been spent on planning.

The crossing is aimed at reducing congestion on the Dartford Crossing with a new motorway-style road.

However, it would cut through large swathes of Thurrock green belt and campaigners and cross party politicians have fought against it.

Following the announcement, Jen Craft Labour MP for Thurrock, said: “I am obviously disappointed by today’s decision. I still have concerns around the disruption this scheme will cause to local residents and the impact on air quality in the area.

“I fully recognise that congestion at the Dartford Crossing is causing misery for drivers, but building more roads is not the answer. I still believe that alternatives such as investment in cross river public transport would provide a more sustainable solution.”

John Kent, Labour leader of Thurrock Council, said he was “deeply disappointed” at the decision. He said: “We fully understand the need to relieve congestion at the Dartford Crossing – we live with that congestion on a daily basis – and we support the need for greater connectivity across the Thames.

“However, we still believe, as we always have, this crossing is in the wrong place. It won’t resolve the very real problems caused by congestion at the Dartford Crossings, it will cause real damage to our environment and ecology and do little to add to the resilience of our local roads network.”

Conservative Barry Johnson, shadow councillor for place and environment said he was “devastated and appalled” by the decision. He said: “This will not solve the issues around the Dartford Crossing, but will extend them throughout the whole of Thurrock. This is a disastrous decision for Thurrock, it will bulldoze our countryside, gridlock our roads, and pollute our air.”

Chris Todd, director of the Transport Action Network campaign group, called the decision “absolute madness” and claimed costs could rise to £16billion. He added: “It’s a desperate decision to distract from the likely bad news in the Chancellor’s Spring Statement.

“When the Government can’t afford to properly fund the NHS and our roads are falling apart, it’s cutting back on benefits and putting vulnerable people at risk. It really has got its priorities in a muddle. Rather than boosting growth, this will clog up roads in the south east and slow the economy down even more.”