The area where business leaders say the Crossing could be built

North Kent business leaders want the Lower Thames Crossing to be built between Gravesend and Medway.

More than 90 per cent of delegates at a Thames Gateway-sponsored meeting favoured the Gravesham route from Tilbury and across the RSPB reserve to the A2 between Higham and Shorne.

It is one of only three options the government will consider to relieve the Dartford Crossing.

They are at the existing crossing, across the key development sites at Eastern Quarry and the Swanscombe peninsula, or east of Gravesend, with an extension to the M20 at Blue Bell Hill.

In a second round of questioning the business leaders were less enthusiastic about the need for a Thames Estuary hub airport.

They recognised opportunities for businesses to grow, but questioned the need for a new hub airport.

The meeting was arranged by the Thames Gateway Partnership, Locate in Kent, and local businesses.

Dartford council leader, Jeremy Kite (Con) told delegates the area is coming out of the recession. Developers are showing considerable interest in possible projects between Dartford and Swale.

The meeting had been organised because politicians and council officials recognised they were not always hearing the views of local business.