Mayor of London Boris Johnson has given the green light to a new terminal in Greenwich for London’s first passenger cruise liner service.

The Royal Borough of Greenwich’s planning board granted consent in July for the revised terminal at Enderby Wharf, and deputy mayor Sir Edward Lister approved the plans on 25 August.

As well as the terminal, 1,154 new homes will also be built as part of the development.

Planning permission for the passenger terminal was originally granted for the Enderby Wharf site in 2012, but new European legislation came into force earlier this year that requires cruise operators to stay for longer in London, with vessels starting and ending trips in the city.

The Mayor’s office has confirmed that he is satisfied with measures put in place by the council to ensure “robust monitoring” of air quality associated with the development.

Danny Thorpe, the Royal Borough of Greenwich’s cabinet member for regeneration and transport, said approval was an important step forward for both Greenwich and the capital, with millions visiting the riverfront every year already.

“This landmark cruise liner development will bring many thousands more visitors to the borough, and provide a major boost to tourism.”

Sir Edward Lister said: “We have worked with the local authority and the developer to ensure the new terminal and surrounding infrastructure will meet the needs of thousands of tourists coming to the city each year.

“It will provide a major boost to tourism, benefit the local economy and further contribute to London’s status as a world-leading city.”

The terminal is expected to be up and running by 2017.

source: The Planner