Enthusiasm over the return of AFC Wimbledon to the Borough of Merton must not get in the way of common sense and fairness to residents in respect of the club’s proposal to return to Plough Lane and its choice of the nearby Greyhound Stadium site.

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It is disappointing that the council’s consultation period has taken place over the Christmas holidays which smacks of cynicism and, although Wimbledon Park councillors have ensured an extension from 3 weeks to 5 weeks, this period remains short for such a large application containing so many very complex reports.

Contrary to some reporting, local residents are not against improvements and regeneration of the existing stadium and surrounding area but they have a right to expect that any approved development will bring advantages to their home environment, rather than detrimentally affecting it.

Conservative councillors are demanding that Merton’s Labour Council take full account of the increased activity and population growth that the proposed development for 603 residences will bring, and that this level of growth must be reflected and compensated for with essential improvements to the local infrastructure.

This should include schools, health services and an adequate road system.

Labour has a responsibility to all residents and must ensure that the current proposal is revised to take greater account of these local concerns.

These include:

Increased traffic congestion and serious on-street parking difficulties in the neighbouring Merton and Wandsworth streets on match days and general transport congestion on Saturdays and even more so when mid-week games clash with the already heavy numbers of rush hour commuters returning to Haydon’s Road or Wimbledon Park stations and on the local bus routes.

There are serious worries about pressure on the relevant local schools, already all over-subscribed, from children coming from another 600+ residences on the site. Provision for extra school places needs to be provided.

There also remains the serious flood risk threat highlighted by the Environment Agency which currently gives it a 3b rating, one of their highest ratings.

AFC Wimbledon and their PR advisors seem to be somewhat minimising this serious risk in their various communications Wimbledon Park residents want to see this rundown site regenerated and many understand the objective to see AFC Wimbledon playing again in Merton borough but the very serious concerns about this site need to be properly addressed.

Consideration must be very detailed and at considerable length to avoid any suggestion of excessive haste and lack of care.

Ultimately this proposal may be examined by the London Mayor, and possibly by the Secretary of State.

This is a large strategic development on a very tricky site with long term impacts and Merton Council must keep all these points clearly in mind when making a decision on this proposal.

Cllrs Linda Taylor, Janice Howard & Oonagh Moulton Wimbledon Park Ward Councillors London Borough of Merton