AFC Wimbledon fans were told work on a brand new stadium at Plough Lane could start a year from now, as the Environment Agency (EA) said the flood risk may not be as bad as it was thought.

The EA said it was re-assessing the flood risk around the River Wandle.

A spokesman said although it had not finished the research, initial findings showed that the area liable to flood near the river may reduce.

One of the key issues in whether or not to grant planning permission is the credible flood risk, so this will be welcome news to AFC Wimbledon.

Merton Council used the EA’s flood risk information in the 2009 Strategic Flood Risk Assessment and identified parts of the Plough Lane site, currently a greyhound stadium, as being in ‘functional floodplain.’

However a spokesman said: “We are currently updating the River Wandle model and flood mapping, using up-to-date data and methods.

Wimbledon Times:

"This will give us a more accurate understanding of the risk and may result in changes to the flood maps.

"The council will update its strategic flood risk assessment following this.“

Chief executive Erik Samuelson said: "If it is true it is good news.

"Even if the classification stays unchanged I am confident we can meet the requirements.

"It is good news but it does not change much." 

The Dons Trust presented plans for a new Plough Lane stadium at a meeting earlier this month which they said could host its first game back in the borough in July 2017.

There were mixed reactions to the image showing the main concourse decorated in bright blue with AFC Wimbledon logos and phrases adorning the walls.

On Twitter, StadiumWatchSW19, said: “Oh. My. God. It is hideous! Andrew Judge, is this what you call designs of a very high quality?”

But WeAreWimbledon said: “I think the plans look rather attractive.”

In what the club said was an unusual move, fans were invited to the special general meeting of the Dons Trust to discuss the stadium design.

Artists’ impressions of the stadium were released earlier this year, pictured below.  

From Feb 12: Hundreds pack into public meeting to discuss AFC Wimbledon stadium plans

Wimbledon Times:

Images: Sheppard Robson architects

As part of the meeting, Mr Samuelson and stadium advisor Andrew Williams said they were hoping for the bid to be heard by Merton Council’s planning committee next month, which would mean a detailed design could be finished in October this year.

Construction work would then start next April, with it being finished in May 2017, with the first game planned for July of that year.

Members were taken through the various sources of funding, including a contribution from developers Galliard Homes, the sale of Kingsmeadow, a bank loan and naming rights.

The Trust said Mr Williams reminded the attendees the stadium was a very tight fit in the available space, so there were constraints to the design.

Wimbledon Times:

He said the demand for space was greater than supply, so there would need to be prioritisation.

The Trust also said there was a discussion focused on three main issues: the pitch and whether it should be grass or artificial grass, should there be seats only or some standing space, and “the problems of limited parking.”