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Proposed Submission: Gravesham Local Plan Core Strategy

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speed line. There are also direct links to the continent from nearby EbbsfleetInternational Station.5.5.17 The Kent Route Utilisation <strong>Strategy</strong> (2010) produced by Network Railsets out future plans for the railway network in the Borough. This indicatesthat there is heavy loading on peak hour trains to London as a result ofcommuter demand in Kent. Further investment is committed with aremodelled station at Gravesend and platform extensions at Gravesend andNorthfleet stations to accommodate 12-car trains by 2014.5.5.18 Crossrail is a cross-London rail connection. In 2017, this will giveaccess from Heathrow and Maidenhead in the west to Abbey Wood (whichlies on the traditional railway line between Gravesend and London) in theeast. There is the possibility of the future extension of Crossrail from AbbeyWood to Gravesend to help address future peak capacity issues. The PoliciesMap shows the land which is safeguarded for this, including facilities at HooJunction.5.5.19 The Council will support proposals to improve train services andfacilities in the Borough, including the extension of Crossrail to Gravesend.5.5.20 There is a significant level of commuting to London by coach from theBorough, although these services are vulnerable to traffic congestionparticularly in London. The coaches currently use routes which go through theurban and rural areas and this coach network reduces the need for carjourneys.Freight and River Transport5.5.21 The Freight Action <strong>Plan</strong> for Kent 2012-16 indicates that Kent CountyCouncil supports the expansion of the rail freight industry and particularly thetransfer of freight from road to rail. It also supports the transfer of freight fromroad to waterways. Transportation of freight by water and rail has a number ofadvantages over transportation of freight by road including reducing carbon,noise pollution and congestion. The reinstatement of the rail freight sidings atNorthfleet and heavy rail connection from the North Kent line into theNorthfleet Cement Works Regeneration Area (see section on Northfleet146

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