Development consent granted for the Thames Tideway Tunnel
Decision published to make an Order granting development consent for the Thames Tideway Tunnel to be built and operated.
Communities Secretary Eric Pickles and Environment Secretary Elizabeth Truss have today (12 September 2014) published their decision to make an Order granting development consent for the Thames Tideway Tunnel to be built and operated.
The Secretaries of State conclude that on balance there is a good case for making an Order granting development consent for the proposed development.
The tunnel will run from the Acton Storm Tanks in West London to the Abbey Mills pumping station in East London, with a storage capacity of 1,250,000 cubic metres.
Construction is expected to start in 2016 and be completed by 2023.
The decision to grant consent for this has been made under the Planning Act 2008, with a Development Consent Order signed by both Secretaries of State.
Communities Secretary Eric Pickles said:
This is a challenging infrastructure project, but it is clear that the Thames Tunnel will help modernise London’s ageing Victorian sewerage system, and make the River Thames cleaner and safer.
Environment Secretary Elizabeth Truss said:
In the 21st century, London should not have a river that is polluted by sewage every time there is heavy rainfall.
The Thames Tunnel is considered to be the best solution to address London’s outdated sewerage infrastructure.
Further information
A Statement of Reasons has been published today setting out the basis on which development consent has been granted. The Development Consent Order can also be found on this website.
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