A new date for the public inquiry into plans for a multi-million pound upgrade to Stockbury roundabout has been confirmed.

Highways England is planning to build a flyover at the A249’s junction with the M2 at Junction 5 for Sittingbourne , Sheppey and Maidstone .

The Department for Transport confirmed there would be an inquiry to decide on the plans for the revamp following a consultation last year, which drew criticism from Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Stockbury Parish Council.

However, it won the backing of Swale council and Minster Parish Council, which said it “totally supported” the project.

The inquiry, which had already been postponed once, was scheduled to begin in April but, in light of the coronavirus pandemic, Highways England had to suspend it .

Now, the authority has said a pre-inquiry meeting will be held virtually at 10am on Tuesday, September 29. A full inquiry will then begin on Monday, November 9 at 10am.

The inquiry will also be held virtually, with interested parties and members of the public invited to join via Microsoft Teams or by phone.

Cllr Mike Whiting, Kent County Council’s cabinet member for economic development, said: “I have consistently chased the department to get these inquiries underway following their cancellation because of lockdown in March, and am pleased they have finally found a way to hold these virtually and hope that many residents and interested parties will join the meetings.”

Anyone wanting to join the meeting should call 0303 4445572 or send an email to ETC@planninginspectorate.gov.uk – providing contact details along with the reference DPI/U2235/19/21.

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