WWW campaigner Diane McLean was buzzing after it was revealed that the Environment Agency has objected to the Galliard Homes/AFC Wimbledon plan to throw greyhound racing out of Wimbledon Stadium.
She said: “The site is zoned in the most serious risk of flooding so this comes as no surprise. It is still very welcome news though. I also understand that TFL (Transport For London) have issues with the Galliard plans.
“You cannot imagine a scenario that won’t eat into Galliards ‘602 apartment’ project and their profits.”
So what is the timescale for developments?
Diane said: “Well things will not move quickly. We expect the council to hear the planning application in March or April.
“We have to await the result, and whichever way it goes, there will almost certainly be objections – Galliards if they lose, and the local residents association if Galliards are successful.
“Ultimately the decision will be forwarded to the Mayor’s office and they will also need time to come to a decision.
“The only possible hope for a speedy resolution is that NAMA step in and tell Galliards to dispose of the properties. Given previous history through . .
“Tying in with the Oxford decision (see separate), it has certainly been a bad day for Galliards.”
Merton council have extended the period for comments on the Galliard Homes/AFC plan for the stadium site writes Floyd Amphlett. Would you believe, it was due to conclude straight after the Christmas holidays? A good time to bury bad news perhaps? Anyway, this is your chance to get involved with a guide (produced by Diane McLean) to some of the key info should you wish to email or write.
Planning Reference Number: 14/P4361
Re: Proposed Development of Wimbledon Greyhound Stadium for 20,000 capacity football stadium, 602 residential apartments and retail
Dear Sir
I wish to lodge my objections to the above planning application of AFC Wimbledon and Galliard Homes for the redevelopment of Wimbledon Greyhound Stadium (the “Site”) for the following reasons:
1. The Site is located on the highest category of flood plain, namely 3b, and as such the proposed plans to build 602 residential apartments on the Site is not consistent with the highest flood risk designation that the Site has been given;
2. The plans fail to convince that the proposed development will increase the storage of flood water on the site and will not increase the flooding of the Site;
3. The traffic survey was carried out in July 2012 and does not reflect the normal traffic conditions resulting in misleading conclusions and the impact of 20,000 commuters on the local area is understated;
4. Greyhound racing has taken place at the Site since 19 May 1928 and is part of the Cultural Heritage of London and Wimbledon along with lawn tennis and speedway, and should be maintained to provide the cultural diversity which the Mayor’s London Plan seeks to embrace.
Yours faithfully,
Name:
Address: