Consultation on the proposed extension to London Underground's Northern Line has begun.

The extension - southwestwards from Kennington on the line's Charing Cross branch and with stations at Nine Elms and Battersea - would support regeneration projects in the Vauxhall Nine Elms Battersea Opportunity Area including Battersea Power Station, New Covent Garden Market and the US Embassy. The scheme has support in the draft replacement London Plan and the mayor's transport strategy and the public's views are now being sought on the various route options and the location of stations.

London mayor Boris Johnson said: "Getting the tube extended to Battersea is an important part of my new transport strategy as it would make a massive contribution to the regeneration of Nine Elms. "It is an area that has been neglected for far too long and to rejuvenate it would put the final piece into the jigsaw of central London."