Having followed the debate locally concerning AFC Wimbledon's possible return to the borough I am at loss to understand why Galliard Homes are being considered as the only possible partner by AFC and their supporters.

The Galliard proposal, which is the only one Merton Council have registered at the moment and will consider in the spring, is not the only possibility for the site and AFC's return.

Paschal Taggart's lower impact proposal is a far better project for AFC to align with and seek partnership from. The Taggart proposal would be registered and could be associated with AFC if Galliard's is rejected by the council.

The owners of the site, Greyhound Racing Association (GRA), who favour Galliard, are seeking to maximise their profits with the site redevelopment. This consortium is advocating 602 homes, a 20,000-seater stadium and increased flood risk. Their proposal contains no increase in social support facilities for these 600 homes.

They have proposed no transport arrangements for the frequent 20,000 event attendees. There is going to be to be pop concerts similar to Wembley. They say they have identified sufficient spare parking places in surrounding streets for the cars of attendees. That cannot be true; they have scant regard for local residents and the difficulties their profit seeking will produce.

What the supporters of AFC's return to Wimbledon should be doing is encouraging Erik Samuelson, the club chief executive to find an acceptable partner. One that is not an avaricious, greedy organisation that gives not a jot for the neighbourhood. The GRA have no interest in football and have only encouraged Galliard to pick up AFC because of the groundswell of support that would engender.

AFC Wimbledon could still be admired and respected locally by everybody if it only talked to developers that would enhance the area.

Geoff Norcott

via email

 

 

 

 

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