Crossrail 2 is a step closer to coming to Twickenham after the 'regional route' was given backing from Mayor of London Boris Johnson on Tuesday.

Following an extensive public consultation, the Mayor's office has backed the regional scheme which could see services run from Twickenham to Cheshunt, in Hertfordshire, via central London.

The scheme would be completed by 2030 at the cost of about £20bn.

The recent consultation revealed that 80 per cent of respondents supported the plans with a 'core' route between Alexandra Palace and Wimbledon, with further regional options to be considered.

Mr Johnson said: "With London’s population soon to surpass its previous 1939 peak of 8.6m, and with more people travelling by Tube and rail than ever before, we need additional rail capacity to support future growth.

"For the capital to remain globally competitive there needs to be continued investment in our transport network and that’s why we have to get cracking on planning for Crossrail 2.

"It’s an essential infrastructure project that will deliver thousands of new homes and jobs, as well as helping to keep our great city moving."

An online estate agent, eMoov.co.uk, predicted house prices in Twickenham would increase by more than £200,000 if Crossrail extended to the town.

Further extension options being considered for the regional route include Chessington South, Surbiton and Epsom.

Michele Dix, Transport for London’s managing director for planning, said: "We need to continue to move forward with this scheme to identify funding options and safeguard the route, which will benefit London and beyond."

Subject to further consultation, the next step is a consultation on a single preferred route and station locations from September 2015.

More detailed design will then be required and an application for powers to build could be submitted by 2017.

London Assembly member and Richmond councillor Stephen Knight said: "It is vital that the investment is found to construct Crossrail 2 as it is needed to ensure that London as a whole can continue to grow and prosper.

"In south-west London it will relieve overcrowding and enable a significant improvement to the current transport links.

"The proposed route would serve Twickenham, Strawberry Hill, Teddington, Hampton Wick and Kingston with new direct services into and across London from 2030."