Leading housebuilders and housing associations, including British Land and the Berkeley Group, are urging the government to back Crossrail 2 as a means to help solve London’s housing crisis.

More than 60 companies have written to the chancellor, transport secretary and the communities secretary, seeking support for the next phase of Crossrail, which they firmly believe will help deliver 200,000 homes across London and the South East.

The leading property firms say the new railway would transform transport capacity and connectivity for underdeveloped areas of the capital, such as the Upper Lea Valley, giving housebuilders the certainty they need to increase housebuilding levels.

Tony Pidgley CBE, chairman, Berkeley Group, said: “Crossrail 2 is a fantastic opportunity to improve London and the South East’s infrastructure, and will help us build the homes this region desperately needs.

“It will unlock areas of huge potential, such as the Upper Lea Valley, and we will look to these areas to meet the demand for housing. Crossrail 2 is the only scheme that can make a significant difference to the South East’s housing stock and the Government must not delay.”

The benefits will be felt right across the South East with 30% of the new homes delivered outside London, supporting regional growth corridors between Cambridge and Stansted, and south west towards Portsmouth.

Melanie Leech, chief executive of the British Property Federation, commented: “Crossrail 2 will stimulate regeneration up and down its route from the Solent to the Wash, opening sites for new housing and employment.

“A swift decision from government on Crossrail 2 would provide a vote of confidence for our industry as we support most, if not all, UK economic activity, through our provision of homes, offices and commercial space.”

It is no secret that London and the South East need new homes, and the government can clearly show its long-term commitment to tackling the housing crisis by backing Crossrail 2, according to the mayor of London, Sadiq Khan.

He said: “Key homebuilding and property leaders are clear that this vital project will unlock areas across the region and bring up to 200,000 new homes where they are desperately needed. It’s time for the government to take note of the huge transport, economic and housing benefits, and give us the go ahead to progress.”