Housebuilders and social landlords have today urged ministers to approve the proposed Crossrail 2 scheme in order to help accelerate and support the building of up to 200,000 new homes.
The project would link Cheshunt in Hertfordshire to Epsom in Surrey, passing through Clapham Junction, Victoria and Tottenham Court Road, slashing journey times for tens of thousands of Londoners.
The improved transport links provided by the scheme would make viable thousands of new homes and jobs necessary to meet the needs of London’s booming population.
Although the project is backed by all political parties at City Hall, business leaders, trade bodies and local councils in neighbouring counties, work cannot begin unless ministers and Parliament give their consent.
A coalition of 66 homebuilding, property and housing association leaders have written to the Chancellor, Transport Secretary and Communities Secretary urging them to back the scheme and unlock “new, good-quality homes”.
Tony Pidgley, Chairman of the Berkeley Group, said: “Crossrail 2 is a fantastic opportunity to improve London and the South East’s infrastructure, and will help us build the homes this region desperately needs.
“It will unlock areas of huge potential, such as the Upper Lea Valley, and we will look to these areas to meet the demand for housing.
“Crossrail 2 is the only scheme that can make a significant difference to the South East’s housing stock and the Government must not delay.”
Stephen Howlett, Chief Executive of social landlords Peabody, added: “The right transport infrastructure is essential if we are to boost the supply of desperately needed new homes in the capital.
“Crossrail 1 and the extension of the Docklands Light Railway will unlock 20,000 new homes at Thamesmead in South-East London and Crossrail 2 would have a similarly transformative effect across London.
“As well as boosting housing supply, Crossrail 2 will create jobs and drive London’s economy. We hope the project will get the go ahead in the very near future. “
Mayor Sadiq Khan, said: “It’s no secret that London and the South East need new homes, and the government can clearly show its long-term commitment to tackling the housing crisis by backing Crossrail 2.
“Key homebuilding and property leaders are clear that this vital project will unlock areas across the region and bring up to 200,000 new homes where they are desperately needed.
“It’s time for the government to take note of the huge transport, economic and housing benefits, and give us the go ahead to progress.”
