The proposals for a new stadium for AFC Wimbledon and many new homes represent a great opportunity for both the immediate neighbourhood of Plough Lane and for Merton.

Instead of a run-down stadium and ‘down at heel’ location, we now have the prospect of high quality regeneration. Architects of quality have designed 600 new homes together with a brand new football stadium in a coherent scheme. As with any large development there remain issues to iron out, but the principle of this being right for the area is clear.

AFC Wimbledon belongs in Merton and this site in Plough Lane is ideal. As cabinet member, I have led the development of a planning policy for the site that will enable the construction of a new sports stadium.  These proposals certainly fit the bill.

For myself and for very many Merton residents, the identity and character of this football club really does matter. It was wrong of the football authorities to allow the owners of Wimbledon FC to move to Milton Keynes. I never imagined when we were before the FA tribunal arguing against the move, that only 12 years later, we would be on the verge of a return to Plough Lane by a successor club to this great local football tradition.

AFC Wimbledon is a club owned by its supporters that promotes football for the whole family and makes a substantial contribution to the community: running many youth and women’s teams, school health and children’s sports projects and even maths classes that use football as a teaching aid. Plough Lane is the right place for the club to come home.

Councillor Andrew Judge
Via email

 

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