Government approves AFC Wimbledon stadium proposal

AFC Wimbledon has finally been given the all clear to press ahead with its new stadium plans after the government opting against intervening in the planning process.

The League One football club received a letter from secretary of state for Communities and Local Government, Sajid Javid, confirming that the department would not be calling in the planning application.

Javid’s letter signals an end to a protracted planning process, which lasted 20 months, and should now see AFC Wimbledon move back to its traditional home in Merton.

Erik Samuelson, chief executive of the club, said the support the club received from Merton Council, among others, during the process had “sustained” the bid.

“At long last, we can start planning with confidence to give AFC Wimbledon a secure future at the heart of the community the club represents, as well as building many much-needed homes and providing a major boost to the economy of the area,” he added.

The letter from the government follows a similar sign of support from recently-elected London mayor Sadiq Khan, who gave the proposal to build the £20m (US$26.4m, €23.3m) 11,000-capacity stadium and additional facilities last month.