Sadiq Khan's U-turn on Plough Lane is both "extremely disappointing" and "difficult to fathom", according to Wandsworth Council.

Wandsworth Council has criticised London Mayor Sadiq Khan's decision to give a green light to Wimbledon AFC's stadium plans at Plough Lane.

July 27: Mayor of London Sadiq Khan fights to let Merton Council make final decision on AFC Wimbledon stadium in Plough Lane

July 7: AFC Wimbledon's Plough Lane stadium may be approved by August says leader of Merton Council Coucillor Stephen Alambritis

The former Mayor, Boris Johnson, made the controversial decision to 'call in' the multi-million pound plans in order to make the decision at Mayoral level.

However, Mr Khan has requested to reverse his predecessor's decision, and allow Merton Council, who unanimously approved the original plans, to make the final decision on the new stadium.

Wandsworth Council leader Ravi Govindia branded the move "extremely disappointing" amid worries about "increased pressure on local transport infrastructure and other public services".

As Tooting MP, Mr Khan wrote a letter to Erik Samuelson, chief executive of AFC Wimbledon, to express "serious concerns" about the plans and the local areas ability to cope with the impact.

May 13: New Plough Lane plans could derail AFC Wimbledon's dream of coming home to Wimbledon

December 14: AFC Wimbledon: What's been said since the plans for Plough Lane stadium were approved

Cllr Govindia said: "When Mr Khan was MP for Tooting he opposed these plans because of the impact this development would have on his constituents.

"Quite why he has changed his mind so dramatically in the space of just a few months is difficult to fathom."

The multi-million pound plans are to redevelop the Greyhound Stadium and build an 11,000 seat stadium, with the option to expand to 20,000, as well as 602 flats, a creche, parking, shops and a squash and fitness centre.

However, critics have noted that only 10 per cent of the new homes are classed as “affordable”.

Among the issues raised by Wandsworth council are the pressure on local transport, traffic congestion, a "lack" of parking spaces and pedestrian safety.

AFC Wimbledon's current stadium is in Kingston but they want a move back to their spiritual home of Plough Lane, where the original Wimbledon FC played until 1991.

Cllr Govindia said: "This is a very disappointing decision by the Mayor which paves the way for major upheaval and disruption in Earlsfield and Tooting.

"Building a large football stadium and many hundreds of new homes here will certainly have an impact on the area and will inevitably lead to increased pressure on local transport infrastructure and other public services.

"The very small proportion of affordable homes being built on this site also flies in the face of Mr Khan’s manifesto pledge that he wanted to see a 50 per cent level on all big housing developments.

"Ten per cent is a long way short of 50, and there are very few community benefits included in this application and a wholly insufficient amount of money set aside for transport upgrades.

"There is also serious concern that the extra traffic congestion and road closures that will be put in place every time a football match is played will mean additional difficulties for ambulances taking emergency patients to St George’s Hospital – a regional trauma centre that’s only a few hundreds yards away.

"Plough Lane is a vital transport corridor to the hospital which may be blocked or closed off on match days."

Dr Rosena Allin-Khan, Labour MP for Earlsfield and Tooting said: "I support AFC Wimbledon's quest to return home, but want them to answer some concerns surrounding the Plough Lane development.

"There must be robust plans in place to handle travel congestion and minimise disruption during construction.  Furthermore, I want them to look at building more affordable homes on the site.

"I'll be raising these issues with the Mayor of London and the leader of Merton Council. On Thursday, I spoke at length with the chief executive of AFC Wimbledon about my concerns.

"Tooting wants to welcome AFC Wimbledon home but we need reassurances first."