The Stage 1 Study is being carried out by Faber Maunsell, on behalf of and funded by the developer, Hutchison Ports Ltd and in association with the Highways Agency and Essex county council. Hutchison Ports anticipate that the study will be completed by the end of May.The development has yet to receive formal planning permission. If that were to be granted, public consultation could take place later this year, leading to a preferred route in 2007.