Plans are being drawn up to accommodate a huge rise in the number of rail passengers between Sussex and London.

Rail and planning authorities anticipate that by 2020, 500,000 a day will use Victoria station, London.

The figure now is 350,000 and there are frequently long queues at ticket offices and bus and underground stations.

Overcrowding sometimes leads to the closure of underground platforms on safety grounds.

In the past five years, the number of commuters from Sussex has increased markedly and there is no sign of a slowdown as more Londoners buy homes in Sussex.

A direct rail link between Victoria and Heathrow is also under consideration.

No detailed plans have yet been submitted but Westminster city councillor Angela Hooper said: "The current layout of the station could not cope with a 150,000 increase by 2020.

"Improvements are urgently needed. We are delighted the development programme is moving forward."

Brighton Line Commuters chairman Shelly Atlas said: "There has been housing development at Maidenbower, Crawley, and Burgess Hill in addition to the increased number of people commuting to and from Brighton."