AFC Wimbledon’s plans to transform the greyhound track into a stadium have been objected to by Wandsworth Council and leader Ravi Govindia has called on Boris Johnson to have the final say instead of Merton Council.

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Serious concerns: Coun Govindia agrees in principle but wants objections addressed 

Councillor Govindia has written to the Mayor of London asking him to "call in" the decision after Wandsworth councillors raised a number of concerns about the current bid at a meeting on Wednesday, February 18.

The football club’s plans include demolishing existing structures, building a 20,000 seat football stadium - initially with 11,000 seats - coach parking, a pedestrian street, a retail unit, a fitness club, 602 apartments with basement parking and 297 car parking spaces.

Coun Govindia said: "Overall the principle of the new stadium and the redevelopment of the site are supported and are in line with the site allocation.

"The council, however, raises a number of serious concerns regarding transport mitigation measures and the impact on infrastructure."

Wandsworth Council has a list of objections to the plans for the Plough Lane stadium, which is close to the heavily congested roads of Tooting, residential area of Earlsfield and major trauma hospital St George’s.

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Concerns include the impact the large development will have on emergency services and hospital staff who currently park in the stadium grounds.

The council also argued for clarification on off-street parking and reassurances about the influx of pedestrians.

Erik Samuelson, chief executive of AFC Wimbledon, said: "With regards to Wandsworth Council’s response you will be aware their direction was contrary to the advice of their own officers.

"Councillor Govindia’s letter to the GLA basically says the principle is fine, they are looking for everything else to be responded to and we are in the process of doing so.

"The important message is there is no objection in principle and we are going to address their outstanding concerns and clarifications. We are responding to each."

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Tooting MP Sadiq Khan backs plans to develop the track and has raised a number of concerns of his constituents including increased traffic and parking.

He said: "Going forward, my priority is to make sure Merton Council continue to work with Wandsworth Council to address local concerns and ensure any development on the site works for everyone."

Dan Watkins, prospective Conservative parliamentary candidate for Tooting, called for Boris Johnson to make the decision and said: "The application needs revising to address the legitimate concerns of Earlsfield and Tooting residents.

"So I'm pleased that Wandsworth Council's planning committee agreed on Wednesday to object to the application as it stands."