There are reports that senior government officials may now be backing plans for a controversial new airport that would be constructed in the Thames Estuary. Among those who are said to be taking the project seriously are Chancellor George Osborne, and David Cameron’s strategy chief, Steve Hilton. The South East is currently facing problems with capacity at its main hubs.

The airport, which has been dubbed Boris Island because of the London Mayor’s support, will cost an estimated £40 billion to build, and would become the largest in the UK. It would be located off Kent’s Isle of Sheppey. Architect Lord Foster has also drawn up plans for a new airport in the area to be constructed on the Isle of Grain for a proposed £50 billion.

Justine Greening, the new transport secretary, is thought to be another supporter of the scheme as she has already voiced her opposition to any expansion at London’s Heathrow Airport.

A spokesperson for the Department for Transport, which is currently putting together a report on the UK’s aviation situation, said a debate over building a new airport in the Thames would be useful, and the plans will be considered along with other proposed solutions to the capacity problem in the South East.

Lord Foster’s plans include four runways and an underground train station capable of serving 300,000 passengers every day. Supporters of the plans point out that as aircraft would be approaching the runways over the water, there will not be the noise problems currently experienced by those living on the Heathrow flight-path.