AFC Wimbledon and Galliard Homes received planning permission from Merton Council for the regeneration of the Plough Lane site in December, however it has now hit a hurdle after Boris Johnson decided to call in the planning application last week.
Erik Samuelson, Chief Executive of AFC Wimbledon, said he remained confident that the plan will still be approved after the club, Galliard Homes and the council submitted a draft agreement to underpin the application last week.
Erik said: “At this meeting, the GLA (Greater London Authority) officers recommended that the planning decision should remain with Merton, but the mayor – as is his right – decided to call in the application.
“This means that the GLA, rather than Merton, will now make the decision about the application.”
However, Erik did admit that the club was puzzled by the review.
“We don’t fully understand the concerns that led to it, nor do we yet know the precise process and timing of the review by the GLA,” said Erik.
“The current mayor could proceed with a review and complete it before the mayoral election on 5th May.
“It seems more likely, however – although this is speculation on our part – that it will be a newly elected mayor who will oversee the decision. If so, that is unlikely to be before July.”
AFC Wimbledon may have to wait another four months before a definitive decision is made, but reassured fans that the stadium would be completed for the start of the 2018-2019 season.
“It is natural for all of us to feel frustrated at this turn of events, and it is clear from one of my rare visits to forums and social media that many of our fans are angry,” added Erik.
“However, one of the features that has, in my view, distinguished our campaign is that we have maintained a positive attitude and avoided getting drawn into arguments and disputes.
“We believe that this is the right way to continue, and so, on behalf of the football club board and the Dons Trust Board, I urge you all to wait for our guidance about how best you can help to ensure success next time around.”
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