A revised planning bid for the Lower Thames Crossing is now expected to be resubmitted in April 2021, according to reports.

Matt Palmer, executive director for the Lower Thames Crossing project, has since sought to reassure residents and motorists in Kent and Essex challenged by existing traffic problems that the project was still going ahead and in the same place as planned, reports Kent Online.

The original planning application was pulled just before a decision was made on it last month.

It had been expected to be considered for review by the Planning Inspectorate the same day but instead it was withdrawn.

Highways England said they had to address specific points raised by the government’s planning arm before resubmitting early next year.

In a video posted by Highways England he explained the project bid had been withdrawn in response to a request for more information on a number of “technical areas”.

He said: “I realise for the millions of you that get caught at the congestion on the Dartford Crossing and for those of you that are looking forward to the opportunities and jobs available on the project that this project really matters to you.

“So I want to reassure you that we remain committed to putting in our planning application and start construction as soon as possible for this important project.

“What this time does is allows us to enhance our planning application through engaging meaningfully with our stakeholders.”

He went on explain the main areas of concern which included construction traffic impacts and certain “navigational risks” flagged by government planners, specifically the use of a jetty on the Thames close to the Tilbury docks.

He added Highways England had not confirmed a new date for resubmission but it was expected by the end of the first quarter, and estimated this to be some time around April 2021.