Yesterday I attended the official launch of the Thames Estuary 2050 Growth Commission at the Olympic Park in Stratford. I was also pleased to be joined by Medway Council Leader Alana Jarrett and Cllr Rodney Chambers OBE.
This Commission is going to directly shape our area for the next 34 years and so it is only right that we, as residents of the region, understand what benefits will be brought to our community and have a real say in its objectives.
Following the launch, the Commission has now released the details of its first consultation. This consultation calls for initial ideas to be considered by the Commission over the coming decades. This is an open invitation for all interested parties, both within and outside the Thames Estuary, to put forward their ideas.
This will potentially set the tone of the Commission’s work and so it is of great importance. I would therefore like to encourage as many residents, business owners and local stakeholders to make their representations to the consultation. The consultation can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/thames-estuary-2050-growth-commission-call-for-ideas
It is vital we put forward our views from an early stage so we can shape the future of our region for the positive. Given our important transport links to the Continent and South East ports, the North Kent region is hugely important to the wider economy. It is therefore only right that we receive our fair share of the Government’s plans for national infrastructure and economic development.
We are set for lots of change across North Kent in the coming years with an increase of housing and other developments, amongst other major proposed projects, so it is a priority to ensure this is sustainable while delivering economic growth. We have that opportunity through the Thames Estuary Growth Commission.
As a lifelong resident of North Kent with great hopes for our community’s future, this will be an area that remains high on my agenda over the course of this parliament and I hope to be able to provide positive updates as the Commission gains momentum.