Government takes control over planning applications on proposed 'Thames Tunnel' sites

The Government Direction restricts the decisions that the London Borough of Wandsworth and the London Borough of Hammersmith can take in respect of any land "safeguarded" under the Direction. The 'Thames Tunnel' is a large sewer that is planned for London.

The Boroughs must get "specific authorisation from DCLG" before granting planning permission, entering any agreements or arrangements, or passing any resolutions in relation to the specified land.
 
Thames Waters' proposed Thames Tunnel 'Super Sewer' will capture storm sewage from 34 sewer overflow points along the River Thames. The 20 mile tunnel would run through central London, broadly following the path of the river, but up to 75 meters beneath the riverbed.

The Direction has been served on behalf of Eric Pickles, the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, and covers land from Carnwath Road Riverside in Hammersmith and Fulham to Kirtling Street in Wandsworth. The Direction also requires the local authorities to deliver certain documents to the Government within 28 days of verification of a planning application on specific sites.

Thames Waters' proposed tunnel route would run from Acton Storm Tanks in Ealing to Abbey Mills Pumping Station in Newham.

The Government has confirmed its support for the Thames Tunnel, which it said was reiterated by the tunnel's inclusion in a second written Ministerial statement on 3 November 2011.

The Thames Tunnel has also been referenced in the National Infrastructure Plan as a `prioritised infrastructure project` and in the draft National Policy Statement (NPS) for waste water. The NPS sets out the need for the Thames Tunnel as a likely Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project, the Government said.

The second phase of public consultation by Thames Water ended on 10 February 2012 and an application for development consent for the Thames Tunnel project is expected in late 2012.