AFC Wimbledon confident new stadium plans will get the green light in crucial meeting

AFC Wimbledon are hopeful that their application to build a new stadium will be given the ‘support it merits’ by Merton’s Planning Applications committee ahead of a crucial date in the club’s bid to return to their spiritual home.The League Two team are seeking to build a 20,000-seater stadium – with an initial capacity of up to 11,000 – on a Plough Lane site that is currently home to stock car and greyhound racing.Members of the Dons Trust have already voted unanimously in favour of selling the lease of their current stadium – Kingsmeadow – to Premier League champions Chelsea if their new ground is approved.The Dons’ application was submitted to the London Borough of Merton in partnership with Galliard Homes and GRA Acquisitions Ltd back in November 2014 and has already been subjected to two rounds of statutory consultation.Although initial concerns in regards to flooding, highways, sustainability, energy and accessibility were voiced by residents and consultees the club’s project team are confident any potential issues have been sufficiently addressed. 75% of people who responded during the consultation process have stated their support for Wimbledon’s proposal and the council will decide whether to grant the club’s plans on Thursday 10 December.AFC Wimbledon Chief Executive Erik Samuelson is adamant that the approval of the plans would represent a ‘substantial step’ towards the club’s aim to return to Merton after a 24-year absence.