News

Between 12th May 2022 and 20th June 2022, the Lower Thames Crossing embarked on its latest, and hopefully its last consultation before they submit their application for Development Consent Order later this year.  Locally, the main changes are the newly-introduced proposals to acquire additional land for “nitrogen deposition” mitigation, including: Land south of Swillers Lane, east of Warren View, between The Warren, Court Wood, Cole Wood, and Starmore Wood. This is currently farmland; Land north of Shorne Woods Country Park, west of Woodlands Lane, between Shorne Woods Country Park and Fenn Wood. This is currently grazing land; Land west and east of Crutches Lane, Higham, currently part of Gads Hill Farm; Land west of Henhurst Road, opposite Jeskyns park, currently farmland. There is also an extensive area of farmland south of the M2, east of Bluebell Hill.  These areas of land e intended to be planted with trees to create wildlife habitats to offset the potentially adverse impacts of nitrogen deposition resulting from increased traffic. Separately from nitrogen deposition, the remaining part of Southern Valley Golf Course (east of the tunnel entrance) will also be acquired to become an extension of Chalk Park open space.  Previously designated mitigation land to the north of Shorne Ifield Road (west of Muggins Lane) has been removed from order limits, and will be replaced by land to the south of Shorne Ifield Road, to link up with Shorne Woods Country Park. This is to avoid disturbance to a mediaeval settlement archaeological site.  In addition, the Thong Lane overbridge across the A2 will be widened by a further 10 metres to provide additional screening and to improve wildlife connectivity. The footpath/cycle path at Hever Court Road at Gravesend East will be re-designated as a bridleway, as will footpath NG8 between NG7/NG9 and the A226 near … Read more

Lower Thames Crossing Local Refinement Consultation The Lower Thames Crossing has embarked on its latest, and hopefully its last consultation before they submit their application for Development Consent Order later this year.  Locally, the main changes are the newly-introduced proposals to acquire additional land for “nitrogen deposition” mitigation, including: Land south of Swillers Lane, east of Warren View, between The Warren, Court Wood, Cole Wood, and Starmore Wood. This is currently farmland; Land north of Shorne Woods Country Park, west of Woodlands Lane, between Shorne Woods Country Park and Fenn Wood. This is currently grazing land; Land west and east of Crutches Lane, Higham, currently part of Gads Hill Farm; These areas are shown light green in the map below. There is also land west of Henhurst Road, opposite Jeskyns park, currently farmland, and an extensive area of farmland south of the M2, east of Bluebell Hill.  These areas of land are intended to be planted with trees to create wildlife habitats to offset the potentially adverse impacts of nitrogen deposition resulting from increased traffic. Separately from nitrogen deposition, the remaining part of Southern Valley Golf Course (east of the tunnel entrance) will also be acquired to become an extension of Chalk Park open space.  Previously designated mitigation land to the north of Shorne Ifield Road (west of Muggins Lane) has been removed from order limits, and will be replaced by land to the south of Shorne Ifield Road, to link up with Shorne Woods Country Park. This is to avoid disturbance to a mediaeval settlement archaeological site.  In addition, the Thong Lane overbridge across the A2 will be widened by a further 10 metres to provide additional screening and to improve wildlife connectivity. The footpath/cycle path at Hever Court Road at Gravesend East will be re-designated as a bridleway, … Read more

Please note that the self-seeded trees, bushes, and general vegetation around the perimeter of Shorne Common will be cut back where it has encroached onto the green over the years.  This will include the removal of one large limb which is in contact with the ground, and trimming back the canopy over the children’s play equipment.

On 13th January 2022, the Parish Council adopted revised Standing Orders, which can be found at https://shorneparishcouncil.gov.uk/constitution-and-code-of-conduct/ and are attached below:

We are pleased to report that KCC has agreed to our request to extend the 30 mph speed limit in Forge Lane, Shorne, all the way down to Shorne Crossroads.  (At present, the national speed limit applies to the section between St Katherines Cottages and Shorne Crossroads.) At the same time, the speed limit on Gravesend Road (A226) will be reduced from 50 mph to 40 mph between Crown Lane and the existing 40 mph limit in Higham.  This reduced speed limit will include Shorne Crossroads, the most accident-prone section of highway in Shorne. (As part of the overall scheme, the existing 40 mph speed limit on the A226 Rochester Road between Thong Lane and the Lion Garage Roundabout will also be reduced to 30 mph.) These proposals are all subject to a Traffic Regulation Order, and a consultation which can be viewed online from 17th December 2021 at www.kent.gov.uk/highwaysconsultations.  Representations supporting or objecting to the proposed Order can be made via the above link or alternatively you can write to The TRO Co-ordinator, Schemes Planning & Delivery Team, Highways, Transportation & Waste, Kent County Council, Ashford Highway Depot, Henwood Industrial Estate, Javelin Way, Ashford, TN24 8AD by 12 noon Monday 10 January 2022.