English Partnerships has vowed to continue development of the residential-led Barking Riverside scheme in London – despite mayor Boris Johnson’s decision to scrap the £750m DLR extension which would support the scheme.

The DLR extension to Dagenham Dock would have gone through Barking Riverside, however funding has not been secured and the mayor has shelved the plans, along with seven other transport developments in London.

Barking and Dagenham Council has pledged to fight the Mayor of London’s decision to put the extension on hold, saying the decision put plans for thousands of new homes at Barking Riverside in jeopardy.

However, Stephen Oakes, English Partnerships regional director for London and the Thames Gateway, and director of Barking Riverside, said that the project would still go ahead.

He said: ‘While we are disappointed that TfL has said that funding is yet to be identified to implement the proposed extension through Barking Riverside to Dagenham Dock, we are confident we can work with TfL, the Mayor and Government to find a funding solution. This scheme is vital, not just for Barking Riverside but for East London and the Thames Gateway where transport links are crucial to tackling social deprivation and creating cohesive communities.

‘Barking Riverside is a top priority for Government and has already secured £160m funding from the public and private sectors. It is on track to deliver 10,800 new homes, schools and jobs on what is one of the largest and most important regeneration sites in Europe. The building of the first 1,500 homes will start in early 2009.

‘These homes will be served by the East London Transit, which will connect Barking Riverside to the Barking Town Centre transport interchange and the wider area from autumn 2009. The DLR was not expected to be operational until at least 2016.’

Matt Black, head of the East London team at CB Richard Ellis said: ‘Whilst it is obviously disappointing to see the Mayor's policy postpones both the DLR extension and Thames Gateway Bridge we welcome his continued support and commitment to Cross Rail which is vital for the continuing regeneration of East London and improving the region’s connectivity to other parts of the capital.’

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