FULHAM'S super sewer nightmare has moved a step closer after Thames Water's 50,000-page planning document was validated for government inspection.

The Planning Inspectorate studied the mammoth document last week, which laid out detailed plans for the 20-mile, £4.2billion tunnel, part of which will be built from a huge shaft site in Carnwath Road over a period of seven years.

And, despite a major campaign from residents warning that more than 1,000 households and scores of school children will face unbearable disruption - and possibly have to move to temporary homes during the works - the Bristol-based Planning Inspectorate, which validates major infrastructure projects, gave the green light for the Government to rule on the application.

Objectors will have the chance to voice concerns at a series of public meetings beginning in September before Environment Secretary Owen Paterson makes a decision on the scheme next autumn.

Sir Michael Pitt, chief executive of the Planning Inspectorate, said. "After careful consideration we have decided on behalf of the Secretary of State the application submitted by Thames Water met the required tests set out in the legislation to be accepted for examination.

“Following period to register as an Interested Party I will, on behalf of the Secretary of State, appoint a Panel of Examining Inspectors (the Examining Authority). Their role will be to consider the evidence submitted and the representations made by interested parties and then make a recommendation to the relevant Secretary of State.”

Campaigners have vowed to continue their fight against the tunnel. Save Your Riverside chairwoman Rita Cruise O’Brien said: “Thames Water has engaged in a consultation process with many people but they have not listened to the alternatives and the local impact is going to be terrible.”

They have hired lawyers to pore through the document, which has been criticised as being too big to read, but Thames Tunnel head Phil Stride insisted the papers were 'easy' for the public to navigate.

To view the application visit http://infrastructure.planningportal.gov.uk/projects/London/thames-tideway-tunnel

To register interest in attending public meetings or to comment on the application visit www.planningportal.gov.uk/infrastructure