A new line planned to cut through London from Wimbledon to Epping could reroute the Underground in Redbridge.

Construction on the so-called Crossrail 2 would not start until 2018, when the current Crossrail is completed, but plans for a line from south-west to north-east London have been under way since the 1970s.

The route, also known as the Chelsea-Hackney, Chelney or Hacksea line, would take over the Central line between Leytonstone and Epping.

The Hainault Loop would be left as the only Central line route, terminating at Woodford.

The route planned for the Chelsea-Hackney line is “protected” but the stations to be called at are still being discussed.

Current suggestions include Putney Bridge, Victoria, Angel, Dalston Junction, Homerton, Snaresbrook, South Woodford and Woodford.