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Highways England is making improvements to the M2 junction 5 / A249 Stockbury Roundabout which they say will support improvements to safety and the potential for economic development and growth in the region.
The scheme includes a new flyover which will create an uninterrupted link for drivers staying on the A249 and will free up extra space on the Stockbury roundabout.
Objections
Stockbury Parish Council and MP Helen Whately, with residents and business owners, have raised concerns and objections over the current plans put forward to upgrade the junction. Because of these objections, the Secretary of State has now ordered a Public Inquiry to take place.
It's believed all would support the scheme providing a bridge or underpass is added to the proposed new road layout. They are concerned that as a result of the upgrade scheme, the village could be cut off and become dangerous and difficult to get to.
They acknowledge and support the need to modernise the Stockbury roundabout but cannot support the current scheme which they believe will irreparably harm the cohesion of the community, which has small businesses and significant settlements on both sides of the A249.
Public Enquiry
A new date of Tuesday 28th April 2020 has now been set for the 8 day Public Inquiry announced by the Secretary of State.
The inquiry will be held in the Heritage Suite at Hempstead House, London Road, Bapchild, Sittingbourne ME9 9PP, starting at 10:00am.
Members of the public are invited to attend the proceedings and if they wish to make an objection, declare support or have specific questions, they need to submit their intention of this to the Inspector by Monday 23rd March 2020.
An independent Programme Officer has been appointed. Information about how to appear at the inquiry, the programme and additional documents have been made available on their website at: http://programmeofficers.co.uk/m2j5
If you have questions specifically about the inquiry you should contact Yvonne Parker directly via Email: posltd@virginmedia.com
Full details of the orders and improvement scheme can be found on the Highways England website at: https://highwaysengland.co.uk/projects/m2-junction-5-improvements
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