London Bridge Station development: planning application submitted

The rail infrastructure company has also applied for listed building consent for the demolition of the 'train shed' roof above the terminus platforms and conservation area consent for the demolition of the South Eastern Railway building on Tooley Street.

In May Network Rail held a public exhibition of its plans on the station concourse. It says that more than 2,500 people visited the display and 93 per cent of those who sent in comment cards after the exhibition said they supported or strongly supported the proposals.

The plans for London Bridge Station include a new ground-level concourse that is claimed to be bigger than the pitch at Wembley stadium (though most of it will be behind the ticket barriers).

The concourse will sit between Stainer Street and Weston Street, with both roads closed to traffic underneath the station.

"The support people have shown is hugely encouraging," says Network Rail's project director Martin Jurkowski.

"We know that passengers are crying out for the improvements our plans will bring. We are looking forward to working with London Borough of Southwark and everyone with an interest in our plans to make these improvements a reality."

As well as concerns about the loss of historic parts of the current station building, there are also fears for the future of the businesses and cultural organisations currently based in the arches underneath the station.

Last week London Assembly member Caroline Pidgeon hosted round-table talks between local businesses and Network Rail at City Hall.

A decision on the planning application is anticipated towards the end of the year. If the go-ahead is given, the five-year construction project is scheduled to get under way in 2013 and expected to be completed in 2018.