The Port of London Authority (PLA) has revealed plans to create a new cargo handling facility in Newham.

The Peruvian Wharf site, which was recently acquired for £3 million by the PLA, has been protected since 1997 under the Mayor's policy to safeguard strategically placed wharves for cargo handling.

Following a debate over the wharf's planning status, the PLA was handed the site when its former landowner did not reactivate it for cargo-handling.

Plans now involve developing Peruvian Wharf as a centre for low-carbon transport of building materials in the east of the city.

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A new access road to the site will be built, prior to letting it on a long-term lease to building materials company Brett Group. The firm will build an integrated terminal on the site which is expected to be operational by late 2017.

PLA chief executive, Robin Mortimer, said the river will "play a key role" in helping to build at least 260,000 new homes and communities, creating 360,000 jobs, and keeping thousnds of lorries off London's roads each year.

"We've fought long and hard to get Peruvian Wharf back into use," he said.

"It's ideally placed to service East London's growth, underlining the importance of retaining strategically located sites for cargo handling."

Deputy mayor for transport, Val Shawcross, added: "Over two million tonnes of cargo are moved between wharves on the Thames each year. This keeps more than 150,000 lorry trips off London's roads, reducing congestion and pollution. We look forward to seeing Peruvian Wharf back in use and serving construction projects in East London as soon as possible."

(LM/MH)