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London City Airport Gets DLR Extension:
The proposed extension to Docklands Light Railway to link London City Airport directly to the
centre moved an important step closer.
Stephen Byers, Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and
the Regions, has granted Docklands Light Railway Ltd the necessary
powers and planning permission to build the new line which will connect
business and communities in east London and the City. The additional
regeneration benefits to the area will be enormous.
Docklands Light Railway Ltd applied to the Secretary of State for
an order under the Transport and Works Act to authorise them
to build a 4.4 km extension to the Docklands Light Railway. This
extension would branch off the existing railway at Canning Town and
run to London City Airport and then on to North Woolwich. The works
would include four new stations, with the possibility of a fifth if
required. The stations are: Thames Wharf (possibly fifth station),
West Silvertown, Pontoon Dock, London City Airport and King George V.
The Secretary of State has accepted the recommendation of the
Inspector and has decided to make the TWA order, with some
modifications, and to grant deemed planning permission for the
development, subject to conditions. He has also granted a related
listed building consent to alter the setting of the Silvertown War
Memorial.
Stephen Byers said: "I agree with the inquiry Inspector that the need to extend the
Docklands Light Railway (DLR) to serve London City Airport and the
communities surrounding it has been established beyond doubt.
"This DLR extension will provide a catalyst for much-needed
regeneration of the area to the south of the Royal Docks. It will
help to bring new jobs, homes, shops and leisure facilities to the
area.
"It will significantly improve access for the communities of
Silvertown and North Woolwich to the centre of London, providing a
reliable public transport service to these areas. It will also
provide a direct rail connection from London City Airport to the City
and Canary Wharf.
"The airport's future growth potential can now be realised.
Importantly, it will help to remove the reliance on car journeys to
the airport, which will help to reduce congestion."
The scheme has the support of the surrounding areas including London boroughs including Newham,
Tower Hamlets, Lewisham and Greenwich and the Corporation of the City
of London and a number of
regeneration and business partnerships.
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20 March 2002
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