The decision on whether to proceed with the planned £1 billion Silvertown Tunnel project in east London has been delayed until May next year.

In a statement, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Transport Paul Maynard revealed the delay is to enable "further consideration of the effect of the scheme on air quality", as well as to ensure the scheme complies with the UK's updated plan for tackling roadside nitrogen dioxide concentrations.

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling was due to make a decision on the scheme in October, as per sub-section 107(1) of the Planning Act 2008. However, he extended the deadline until 10 November.

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The project involves the construction of a new twin bore road tunnel passing underneath the River Thames, providing a new connection between the A102 Blackwall Tunnel Southern Approach and the Tidal Basin roundabout junction on the A1020 Lower Lea Crossing, London.

Maynard added the decision to set a new deadline "is without prejudice to the decision on whether to give development consent".

Campaigners have welcomed the move to delay the planning decision.

Bridget Fox, Sustainable Transport Campaigner at Campaign for Better Transport, said: "We welcome the chance for a rethink, we believe that building a major highway through densely populated east London is incompatible with achieving minimum air quality standards and hope the Secretary of State and Mayor of London will see sense and drop these damaging plans.

"Instead, the billions that the road tunnel would cost could be better spent delivering the Mayor's positive vision of healthy streets and high quality public transport."

(LM/MH)