People living in Bean say the consultation process for road improvements on the A2 is “a farce.”

Last week Highways England announced details of plans to improve junctions at Bean and Ebbsfleet, and said the three-year roadwork scheme was necessary to cope with a predicted surge in traffic on the already choked junctions.

But Bean Residents’ Association has criticised the plans, together with a questionnaire, which only invites comments on one option despite mentioning several others which had previously been considered.

The association also points out the scheme would involve the demolition of 11 homes, and use land occupied by Spirits Rest Horse Sanctuary.

“It was left to Bean parish councillors to break the shocking news,” added a statement from the association.

“No one affected wants to move from the Green Belt.”

The statement also notes the homes to be demolished are all within Ebbsfleet Garden City boundary, and that the Ebbsfleet Development Corporation has been asked to re-home those affected.

If approved the scheme would mean drivers would face three years of roadworks, which Highways England says is necessary to cope with a potential traffic surge of up to 200%.

Highways England has revealed one preferred scheme at both junctions and is committed to starting work by 2020 and finishing by 2023.

Planned improvements at Bean include adding an additional bridge over the A2, providing a new slip road onto the A2, and enlarging the roundabout; while at Ebbsfleet both roundabouts are set to be enlarged and traffic lights will be installed.

Hugh Coakley, Project Manager, Highways England, said: “We welcome all views as part of our consultation for improving junctions on the A2 at Bean and Ebbsfleet, especially the local knowledge and understanding that people living nearby will have. People’s input will help to influence the proposals and make sure we take forward the best possible improvements.

“We wrote to 75,000 people to let them know about the consultation, and additionally sent personal letters and offered one-to-one meetings with the residents of each of the properties that might be affected by the project.

“People can have their say on our website or come to the events we are holding to find out more. There are still over four weeks left to get involved, the consultation closes on 1 March 2017.”

Further information is available on www.highways.gov.uk/a2be

Consultation events are due to be held at Bean Youth and Community Centre from noon to 5pm on Saturday, January 28, and at Eastgate, in Springhead Parkway, Gravesend, from noon to 5pm on Saturday, January 28, 1pm to 8pm on Wednesday, February 1, and 1pm to 8pm on Monday, February 20.