Despite fears over loss of open space in Deptford and construction lasting three-and-a-half years, plans for a £4.1bn 'super sewer' have been approved by the government.

The Thames water project will deal with million of tonnes of sewage from the capital and include an access chamber in Deptford Church Street - which would see years of building work.

Campiagners had argued Deptford would struggle with noise, air pollution, safety risks and adverse effects on neighbouring St Joseph’s Primary School.

But Communities Secretary Eric Pickles and Environment Secretary Elizabeth Truss - a former Greenwich councillor - have today (September 12) agreed for the development to go ahead.

In their decision, the politicians concluded the impact on air pollution - already higher than EU targets in Deptford - was "acceptable"

And, although they admitted the loss of open space would be a "serious loss to the community", the project's benefits outweighed the negatives, concluding "some disruption is unavoidable in a project of this scale."

Mr Pickles said: "This is a challenging infrastructure project, but it is clear that the Thames Tunnel will help modernise London’s ageing Victorian sewerage system, and make the River Thames cleaner and safer."