Battersea is one step closer to having its first Tube station after TfL officially applied for powers to build and run an extension of the Northern line.

The scheme would create one new stop at Battersea Power Station and another on Wandsworth Road (close to Sainsbury’s) through a new stretch of tunnel linking to the rest of the Northern line at Kennington.

If the Tube link goes ahead travel to the West End and the City would be cut to 15 minutes from the Battersea area.

If planning powers are obtained from the Government, and a funding package is in place, then construction of the Northern line extension could begin in 2015 with the two new stations opening in 2020.

Councillor Ravi Govindia, leader of Wandsworth Council and chairman of the Nine Elms Vauxhall Partnership, said: "Bringing the Tube to Battersea has long been the ambition of this council and we are now within touching distance.

"This project is the key to unlocking Nine Elms on the South Bank's full potential, restoring the power station and delivering 25,000 new jobs and 16,000 new homes."

TfL has this week submitted a Transport and Works Act Order (TWAO) application to the Secretary of State for Transport.

This date marks the start of the statutory process during which people or organisations can make representations to Government with their views on the proposed scheme - this period will last for seven weeks.

Michele Dix, managing director of planning for TfL, said: "South London is one step closer to a possible new Tube extension.

"We are now seeking planning approval from the Government to build and operate this vital transport link with the submission of a TWAO."

Funding for the proposed Tube link is guaranteed by the finance package confirmed by the Chancellor in his 2012 Autumn Statement.

Up to £1bn would be borrowed by the public sector to finance the construction of the extension.