AFC Wimbledon receive stadium boost

AFC Wimbledon’s plans to build a new stadium near its former home Plough Lane has cleared another hurdle after the Government decided not to call in their plans.

The club plans to build an 11,000-seat stadium on the site of Wimbledon Greyhound Stadium and Sajid Javid MP, the Secretary of State for Communities, is content for planning permission to be decided by the local authority.

Chief executive Erik Samuelson said: “At long last, we can start planning with confidence to give AFC Wimbledon a secure future at the heart of the community the club represents, as well as building many much-needed homes and providing a major boost to the economy of the area.

“After so many years in exile, the Dons are coming home!”

The club has partnered up with Galliard Homes to deliver 600 homes at the Plough Lane site, which is only a few metres from its former football ground. This will help to fund the £16M cost of building the stadium.

Leader of Merton Council, Councillor Stephen Alambritis, said: “This is fantastic news for the club and for Merton. We have always supported the return of AFC Wimbledon to home turf and now they and their legions of dedicated fans can look forward to the reality. We will also benefit from new homes and business opportunities for the area which is very exciting too.”