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Highways England is upgrading 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, MP Helen Whately, along with residents and business owners, have all raised concerns and objections over the current plans put forward. 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 travel 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 Inquiry - Postponed
In line with latest Government advice regarding Coronavirusaa and to avoid unnecessary and non-essential travel and social contact with others, the Inspector has now postponed the 8 day Public Inquiry announced by the Secretary of State which was due to open on Tuesday 28th April 2020.
The inquiry was due to be held at Hempstead House, London Road, Bapchild, Sittingbourne ME9 9PP in the Heritage Suite.
Members of the public were invited to attend the proceedings and if they wished to make an objection, declare support or have specific questions, they needed 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
The Inspector notes that under the present circumstances, it is not possible to finalise and publish the inquiry arrangements in order to give notice to interested parties in a timely manner, in accordance with the requirements of the associated inquiries procedure rules. This reinforces his view regarding the need to postpone the event.
Once new dates have been arranged the website will be updated and participants notified. In the meantime, if you have an urgent enquiry, please contact the Programme Officer.
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