Plans for a new cable car link between the Greenwich Peninsula and the Royal Docks have hit a stumbling block over air traffic safety concerns.

Transport for London's (TfL) bid to establish the new River Thames crossing had secured planning consent from Greenwich and Newham councils. However, a national air traffic services safety assessment is now to be carried out to explore how the expansion of London City Airport would affect the scheme.

London mayor Boris Johnson has asked both local authorities to withdraw their referrals in order to allow the probe to be carried out. A spokesperson for the mayor said: "The results of that will be given to the boroughs for their consideration. They would then be able to refer their applications back to the Mayor's Office."