Boris 'Calls In' AFC Wimbledon's Stadium Scheme

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Club still aims to open new ground in the summer of 2018

Boris Johnson has decided to "call in" AFC Wimbledon's plans to return to their spiritual home of Plough Lane despite Merton councillors backing their 20,000-seater football stadium scheme.

It means the Greater London Authority, and not the borough council, will make the decision on plans for development of the greyhound track site in Plough Lane.

But AFC Wimbledon are still hoping their new ground will open in the summer of 2018.

As well as a 20,000-seater football stadium, the scheme includes 602 new homes, retail space, a squash and fitness club, car and cycle parking. The ground's initial capacity will be 11,000.

Merton councillors had voted in favour of the scheme in December 2015.

AFC Wimbledon reacted to the Mayor of London's decision to call in the scheme by issuing the following statement: "We have now seen the letter explaining the decision and the planning report which was submitted to the Mayor.

"We note that the GLA’s officers recommended that Merton should be allowed to determine the decision so while we are disappointed that it has been called in, we remain confident that any further review will lead to a successful conclusion.

"In the short term, the specific actions that now need to take place have yet to be determined. Once we know the process, we will seek support from all fans to help to promote our case to the relevant authorities. Until then, we ask fans to be patient.  We have waited nearly 25 years to return to Wimbledon and while a delay is frustrating, it is something we believe we can accommodate in our plans and still be ready to open in the summer of 2018."

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March 23, 2016