Key points
- Public consultation on the proposed DLR extension to Thamesmead has revealed strong support for the scheme.
- The extension would also serve Beckton Riverside, with fully accessible new stations.
- Every response will feed into designs ahead of a Transport and Works Act Order application in 2027.
The long-planned DLR Thamesmead extension has taken a significant step forward after a public consultation on the proposed scheme revealed strong support among residents, businesses and community groups.
Strong backing for the proposals
The latest round of consultation focused on the design of new stations, how people would reach them, and the potential impact of the project on surrounding communities and businesses. Council leaders say the feedback shows clear backing for pressing ahead with the scheme.
Under the proposals, DLR services would be extended to Thamesmead, also serving Beckton Riverside. Responses to the consultation underlined the importance of fully accessible stations, safe walking and cycling routes, and better connections through local bus services and potential future rail extensions.
Councillor Anthony Okereke, leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, described a new DLR station as a “game changer” for Thamesmead, saying it would give residents better connections to jobs, education and opportunities across London.
“Alongside this, it would unlock Thamesmead’s enormous potential, helping to deliver thousands of much-needed homes and supporting the growth of a thriving town centre and strong local economy,” he said.
Thamesmead’s growth push comes as other riverside regeneration schemes move ahead in the borough, including the Charlton Riverside deal to unlock more than 3,000 new homes in Greenwich.
“We are ambitious for Thamesmead’s future as a flourishing riverside neighbourhood and look forward to working with our partners to bring these plans to life,” Cllr Okereke added.
Concerns over construction impact
Not all of the feedback was unqualified praise. Some respondents raised concerns about the impact of construction, including traffic disruption, noise and environmental effects — issues the council says will be addressed as the designs are developed.
Part of a wider transport push
Councillor Calum O’Byrne Mulligan, cabinet member for transport, climate change, waste and streets, said extending the DLR to Thamesmead would make it easier to get around for people across the borough and the city.
He said the DLR plans sit alongside new bus lanes and bus routes, resurfaced roads and major walking and cycling improvements, which would make it “quicker, safer and more convenient” to get around the borough by every type of transport — improving connections to current and future major public transport hubs.
The borough is also seeing wider changes to the bus network, with proposals for SL4 Superloop buses to serve Wood Wharf under consultation by TfL.
“We’re excited to take a thorough look at the report and want to say a massive thank you to everyone who shared their views,” Cllr O’Byrne Mulligan said. “By listening to residents and working closely with partners like TfL, the London Borough of Newham and the Greater London Authority, we’re creating opportunities and getting things done in Thamesmead as we are in every corner of our borough.”
Councillor Tom Creswell, cabinet member for planning and development, said the extension would deliver wide-ranging benefits: “The DLR extension won’t just slash journey times for local people and Londoners. It’ll be a catalyst for growth, with tens of thousands of new homes, jobs and better connections across the capital, further boosting the regenerative potential of Thamesmead’s as one of the government’s New Towns.”
The capital’s rail network is seeing wider investment alongside the DLR plans, with a first look inside London’s new Piccadilly line trains after the 113-metre fleet was unveiled.
What happens next
Every response received will now help develop the DLR proposals ahead of an application for a Transport and Works Act Order in 2027 — the legal step required to authorise the scheme.
What happens next
- Now: consultation responses are analysed and fed into station and route designs.
- Next: detailed proposals are developed with TfL, the London Borough of Newham and the Greater London Authority.
- 2027: an application for a Transport and Works Act Order — the legal order from the Secretary of State for Transport needed to build and operate new rail schemes — is submitted.
