Locals get behind plans for new Tube extension

Results from the latest public consultation on proposals to extend the Northern line have confirmed strong support for the planned new Tube link.

The 3km extension from Kennington to Battersea, via Nine Elms, would kick-start regeneration in this area of south London and offer major transport benefits for passengers.

Thousands more people would have access to the Tube network, and journey times to the West End and the City would be cut to around 15 minutes.

The extension would also reduce pressure on Vauxhall station and the existing Northern line south of Kennington, and provide wider access to leisure and employment opportunities for local people.

Transport for London (TfL) will finalise the plans ready for an application in the spring for a Transport and Works Act Order to build and operate the extension.

Around three quarters of responses to the consultation were positive or neutral.

The main comment, made by almost half of respondents was that the extension was an idea which they supported.

Michèle Dix, managing director of Planning for TfL, said: ‘I would like to thank everybody who gave us their views on the proposed Northern line extension.

‘This third public consultation very much confirms that there is, once again, very strong support for this transport link that will help regenerate Vauxhall and Nine Elms and support up to 25,000 jobs and 16,000 new homes.

If planning approval is obtained from the Government, and a funding package is in place then construction of the Northern line extension could begin in 2015 with the two new stations opening in 2020.

For more information about the extension and consultation, plus TfL’s responses to key issues, go to tfl.gov.uk/nle