Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, land is required from local landowners and initial discussions have commenced with those affected by our proposals. At this stage, it is hoped that the required land can be purchased by voluntary negotiation with landowners, but a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) may be required to ensure all land can be obtained when we need it. A CPO would not normally be progressed until after planning permission is obtained for the scheme.

Yes, it is currently anticipated that the route will have street lighting and all new lights will use LED lamps to reduce energy demand and maintenance requirements and manage impact from potential light spread.

To provide additional capacity and resilience on the local road network, improve traffic flows, improve pedestrian and cyclist routes, provide public transport routing opportunities, improve road safety, and support the economy.

Shared cycle and walking facilities will be provided along the entire length of the route. Crossing points will be provided as necessary, with signal-controlled crossings being provided at key locations.

The requirements of horse riders will be fully considered as part of the next stage design process. Where the scheme routes through existing bridleways, crossing facilities will be introduced. We welcome any comments that horse riders wish to make at this stage for the design process.

The project is currently estimated to cost £60 million. However, cost reviews will take place as scheme progresses. It is expected to be funded by a combination of grant funding from central government and/or developer funding.

The scheme is subject to a funding bid to Department for Transport (DfT). DfT has provided £750,000 for KCC to develop an Outline Business Case (OBC). Until the business case process has been approved and a formal funding agreement is in place with DfT, there is no guarantee that the funding bid will be successful.

Yes, the scheme will be subject to a planning submission in early 2024. It will also include a full Environmental Impact Assessment which will look at the impact of the scheme on the environment and outline any necessary mitigation.  

The route itself is well defined due to existing constraints, which include environmental matters and the location of future development allocations. These constraints have a bearing on where the scheme can route. However, there is still possible to modify the scheme with respect to its design and any other matters that arise from the consultation process. This may include some minor route alignment changes.

Our scheme is subject to a bid to the Department for Transport, which includes a requirement for us to plan the road infrastructure over a much longer period than we can request developers to do as part of the development planning process. Therefore, our scheme is subject to different vehicle flow forecasts when compared to developer proposals. This has led to a review of proposed junction arrangements on the A28. At this stage, the difference between our proposals and the developers is not expected to compromise current planning submissions and/or decisions.

A full assessment of potential noise impacts will be undertaken at the detailed design stage. Where adverse impacts are identified the scheme will include features to lessen noise impact such as fencing, embankments and boundary planting. This will also be assessed through the forthcoming planning application.

The value of your property should not be affected. An improved road and better traffic flow should be seen as a benefit by future purchasers. However, after the road is built, if some residents feel the value of their property has been affected by the scheme, then they may be able to make a claim for compensation under the Land Compensation Act Part 1 1973.

The route will be subject to a combination of 30mph and 40mph speed limits. 30mph will be in more built-up areas (areas likely to be subject to future development). These suggested limits are indicated within the published Consultation Document.

Every effort will be made to reduce the loss of establish trees along the route. However, it is possible that some existing trees will need to be removed as part of the scheme. We will endeavour to provide improved planting and landscaping on other parts of the scheme to mitigate any tree loss. Loss of trees on the existing Quex Park boundary will be avoided.

Extensive surveys are being undertaken to determine the effect on protected species. Mitigation measures will be prepared to manage any identified impacts, and this will be addressed as part of our Environment Impact Assessment. Removal of any vegetation and trees will take place outside of the bird nesting season.

Yes, access will be maintained at all times, unless agreed otherwise with individual property owners.

The scheme is not expected to generate new traffic on the local road network. Future traffic increases will be generated by proposed development, which will be subject to their own traffic impact assessments and mitigation proposals as part of the development planning process. This scheme will lead to a redistribution of existing traffic within the local road network, with some vehicles changing their current route of travel. As part of the forthcoming planning submission for the scheme, a full transport assessment will be undertaken, which will consider any wider impacts from the scheme, and this may include further highway improvement measures outside of the current scheme footprint.

We are currently expecting the scheme construction to start on site in early 2026 with completion in early 2028.