Plans to extend the London Overground to Barking Riverside have been backed by 90 per cent of those taking part in a Transport for London consultation.
The organisation proposed the extension as part of plans to support a 10,800 home development in the area which will also include new shopping, leisure and healthcare facilities.
Chancellor George Osborne has already promised to provide a £55 million to support the extension, meaning the scheme is fully funded.
TfL will now work to further develop its plans ahead of holding a second public consultation in the spring. Subject to the outcome it will then apply for permission from the Department for Transport to proceed with the scheme.
Michèle Dix CBE, TfL’s Managing Director of Planning, said: “This public consultation has demonstrated there is overwhelming support for this extension. Its introduction will directly unlock over 10,000 new homes.
“We will continue to develop the plans as quickly as possible with the intent to submit a formal application for powers to build the extension to Government at the end of 2015.
“Subject to powers being granted, construction work could commence in 2017 with the extension opening by 2020.”