People can once again have their say on plans for the Lower Thames Crossing.

National Highways has announced details of a further round of public consultation on the £8bn tunnel between Kent and Essex, giving local communities the chance to have their say on some changes to the project.

The tunnel will be built east of Gravesend and is designed to help ease congestion at the Dartford Crossing.

The latest consultation is taking place to share a number of updates made to the project based on feedback from a previous consultation in 2021, as well as ongoing stakeholder engagement and technical surveys.

The five-week consultation will run from Thursday, May 12, to Monday, June 20.

You can find out more information on the dedicated consultation website, at events in Kent and Essex, with a telephone call back, or a free of charge home delivery service.

People will be able to respond to the consultation by completing an online survey, sending a form via Freepost, by email or over the phone.

Following feedback from Thurrock Council the project has amended its plans for Tilbury Fields, a new public park on the north bank of the Thames, to make space for the planned Thames Freeport.

Other changes in the plans include additional environmental compensation with potential woodland, replacing a slip road on the A13 in Essex, modifying the access to the northern tunnel providing better access for emergency services, new footbridge over the A127 and further improvements for walkers, cyclists and horse riders.

The project plans to submit an application for a Development Consent Order later in 2022.

Matt Palmer, executive director for the Lower Thames Crossing, said: "We understand that millions of you who use Dartford every year are keen to see the road open as soon as possible, but getting the views of the local community on these local refinements before we submit our planning application later this year is vital to help us maximise the benefits of this transformative project.

"I would like to thank you in advance for your patience, and for giving us your time and feedback."

The consultation material will be available on a dedicated consultation website from May 12. To pre-order a consultation pack click here.