Wandsworth Council have given their seal of approval to a multi-million pound footbridge spanning the Thames.

Battersea-based architects One World Design plan to build a foot and cycle bridge where the Queen boarded her barge at the flotilla last year in memory of the jubilee celebrations.

The free-standing bridge will be 18.4m high and stretch 170m across the River Thames, linking Wandsworth to Hammersmith and Fulham.

It is estimated to cost £22m and developers are looking to the private sector for funding, similar to the cycle hire scheme or the 02 Arena.

The bridge will be adjacent to the existing Grade II* listed railway bridge, in Lombard Road, Battersea and would be the first new Thames crossing in a decade.

A planning committee on June 6 heard there was overwhelming support for the bridge, with the House of Commons first acknowledging the need for a bridge in the area back in 1924.

MP Jane Ellison attended to back the applications, while many neighbours noted the benefits of the bridge for commuting.

A postcard campaign asking for feedback received 474 positive comments and only one objection.

Ms Ellison said: "This is fantastic news for our area as the bridge would bring real benefits to both local residents and businesses.

"Hundreds of people wrote in response to the campaign I've been running about the Jubilee Footbridge, so we know it has great local support."

A comment from the Battersea Society said: "The proposed bridge would significantly improve access to the riverside creating an attractive route linking north and south banks.

"The proposal would provide a positive boost to small businesses in Battersea Village and help sustain the areas local employment and vitality."

The bridge needs to be approved by a planning committee at Hammersmith and Fulham Council and the Greater London Authority before it goes ahead.

Hammersmith and Fulham Council will be discussing the application next month.