An application has been submitted to the government for a 20 mile long super sewer snaking across London.

The 50,000 page document, submitted by Thames Water, will be analysed by a Planning Inspectorate with a decision to be made within 28 days.

If granted planning permission the Thames Tideway Tunnel could see a shaft built on the foreshore of Elm Quay, in Nine Elms.

There would also be tunnels built in Putney Embankment and in Dormay Street, close to King George's Park, with these areas expected to face years of building work.

A shaft was originally also planned for Barn Elms playing fields, with Carnwath Road, Fulham, selected instead following a lengthy campaign.

Phil Stride, head of Thames Tideway Tunnel at Thames Water, said: "Following a thorough process of public consultation, which started back in September 2010, we have now finalised a highly detailed document, explaining how the project delivery will be managed.

"It’s the result of many months of work by the team to ensure the application addresses all the relevant legal and technical issues."

Campaigners from Thames Tunnel Now (TTN) have said the £4.2bn tunnel is necessary to deal with the on-going sewage pollution of the River Thames.

The current Victorian system causes sewage to pump into the Thames when there is as little as 2mm of rain.

Debbie Leach, chief executive, said: "The Thames has made significant recovery in recent years, but we must have no doubt about the severity of the current situation, raw sewage is entering the river at least once a week, threatening not just the many fish, birds and mammals that depend on it, but human health too.

"We cannot afford to delay this desperately needed action any further if we want the Thames to maintain its role as a vital wildlife nursery, global tourist destination and source of recreation and respite for Londoners."

 

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