Transport for London has submitted a planning application for the controversial Silvertown Tunnel, which would link the Greenwich Peninsula with the Royal Docks in east London.

The application was received on May 3 and TfL’s planning inspectorate now has 28 days to decide whether to accept or reject the proposal.

The new road tunnel will pass under the River Thames between Silvertown and north Greenwich and aims to reduce congestion at the Blackwall Tunnel.

TfL also hope that the Silvertown Tunnel will radically improve bus services in the area.

MORE TOP STORIES

Richard de Cani, TfL’s Managing Director of Planning, said: “The congestion is having a huge impact on air quality and, with the capital’s population rising rapidly, these problems will only get worse if we don’t create this vital new crossing.”

More than 4,000 people responded to TfL’s eight-week consultation on the tunnel and campaigners have been vocal in their opposition to it.

Campaigners opposed to the development have concerns over the possible increase in pollution caused by the number of HGVs, coaches and buses travelling onto the peninsula.

Those against the tunnel also fear it will actually worsen traffic north and south of the river.

Registration to send TfL views on the proposal have not yet opened, but information on how to become an interested party in a planning application is available here.