In a report published today, the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has indicated his preference to hand the decision back to the council.

The Mayor announced today a Greater London Authority (GLA) public consultation into how best to progress AFC Wimbledon’s planning application to build a football stadium and flats in Plough Lane, Merton, prior to making a final decision.

The report makes clear that the Mayor is minded to return the authority to make the decision to Merton Council, where the cross party planning committee agreed in December 2015 to grant permission.

An artist’s impression of the stadium. Picture: Sheppard Robson Architects

The consultation is due to start 27 July and will last just 14 days.

It is available on the GLA website. A decision from the Mayor is expected once all the responses to the consultation have been considered.

Leader of Merton Council, Councillor Stephen Alambritis said: “I’m delighted our new Mayor has acted so quickly to sort out the uncertainty caused by Boris Johnson. Along with a fantastic football stadium, the Plough Lane development will also bring much needed housing for Londoners which I know is a priority for the new Mayor. The people of Merton want their football club back and this move brings us a step closer to making that dream a reality.”

-ENDS-

Notes for editors:

Merton Council Leader Stephen Alambritis is available for interview. Contact the communications team on 07983 624 691 or 020 8545 3752 / 3483.