A SECOND local authority has resoundingly given its backing to plans for a cable car across the Thames.

Greenwich Council approved its part of the scheme at a planning meeting held in Woolwich on Thursday evening.

The cable car will stretch for 1,100 metres from near The O2 in North Greenwich to Royal Victoria Dock on the north of the river. Last week Newham Council also agreed plans to host the project and the London Thames Gateway Development Corporation has also given its backing.

Greenwich Councillors voted unanimously in favour of the proposal after being recommended to do so by planning officers.

Their report said: “As well as providing a much needed public transport connection across the Thames in this part of London, it will also provide stunning views over

London and is anticipated to become a tourist attraction in its own right.”

The south site will be around 400 metres from The O2 and will include a main tower of up to 89 metres. There are also plans for shops, a concourse and ticket office on the ground floor and gondola arrival and departure platform on the first floor.

The intention of the London Mayor Boris Johnson is still to open the facility before the 2012 Olympics, although experts have warned this may prove difficult to achieve.

The search for an operator will now begin with construction work starting later this year.