A local resident has asked for a judicial review into plans for the new facility on the grounds that it would create large amounts of air pollution.

The proposed terminal, at Enderby Wharf, would be about half a mile east of the Cutty Sark.

Plans were approved by Greenwich Council in December, but now an unnamed local resident has sought crowd funding and applied for the review, arguing that ships moored there will burn up to 700 litres of fuel an hour, equal to hundreds of HGVs.

Cruise ships already moor at Greenwich in mid-river and passengers are taken ashore by tender, but the new facility would permit them to walk off their ship down a gangway to the river path.

Residents however say the ships’ diesel engines will make the local air pollution much worse.

The objection to the development is based on “an inadequate assessment of the air pollution” that the new facility will create, which the local council denies.

Local residents have already raised £6,000 to launch a legal challenge.

Dr Paul Stookes of Richard Buxton Environmental & Public Law Solicitors, which has been instructed by the residents’ group, explained that the matter would now go to court because Greenwich Council would defend its decision.

“The opportunity for an early resolution of the matter has gone. The High Court will now proceed to a permission stage, and, if granted set a timetable for a final hearing,” he said.