Drilling to test the soil for the Lower Thames Crossing appears to have begun.

James Turner, 69, of Lower Higham Road, Chalk, noticed machinery in Seven Fields - land which runs parallel to Thong Lane and Rochester Road in Gravesend - yesterday and said he spoke to workmen who confirmed they were drilling to check the ground and would be going on for 18 months.

He said: “They are drilling pilot holes for the new tunnel.

“I walk there regularly and I just walked across it with my camera.

“The test drilling is two thirds of the way up Seven Fields.”

The enthusiastic photographer added: “I will be dead by the time it’s completed but for the younger people it is an absolute disaster.

“They will change it into an estate similar to the one by the Dartford Crossing.”

The same spot today is empty.

Highways England has been contacted for a comment.