Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has overturned a decision by his predecessor Boris Johnson, clearing the way for the regeneration of Wimbledon Greyhound stadium by AFC Wimbledon and Galliard Homes.
Johnson had called in Merton Council’s approval of the plans – which included a 20,000-seat stadium, 602 homes, shops and a leisure club – as one of his last acts before leaving office.
But Khan has handed the decision back to Merton, effectively giving the green-light for permission.
From 27 July: Khan expected to drop public inquiry into AFC Wimbledon plans >>
Khan said: “I have taken the time to consult local residents, businesses and other interested parties and, having weighed up all of the evidence available to me, I am confident the stadium and the leisure facility proposed alongside it will be of great benefit to Londoners and the wider community for generations to come.
“As such, I have decided to return the application to the local council to determine itself.”
The decision followed a 14-day consultation ending on 10 August.
Khan’s decision is at odds with his position while MP for neighbouring Tooting, when he said he had “serious concerns” about the development. But he later suggested as mayor of London he would take a different view.
The stadium is earmarked for Plough Lane, on the site of London’s last greyhound track. The scheme would see AFC Wimbledon return to its spiritual home, after leaving Wimbledon in 1991 following Wimbledon FC’s split, with some members moving to Milton Keynes to form MK Dons.
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