The Environment Agency (EA) has recommended AFC Wimbledon’s new stadium plans are rejected by the council because of flooding concerns.

The EA has lodged a formal objection to the multi-million pound plans for a 20,000 seater stadium, 602 flats, shops, parking and a squash and fitness club, which could be built in phases, because of a lack of information.

A report issued on Wednesday, January 21 by the EA, and seen by the Wimbledon Guardian this morning, states the plans fail to demonstrate that the flood risk will not be increased by the development.

And it has demanded more information to prove that "the proposed development will not increase flood risk on site or to surrounding areas.’

The fact the area is on two different types of flood plain makes flooding risk a major consideration in deciding what is built on the dog track site in Plough Lane.

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This Is Local London:

This Is Local London:

Read the report in full below

 

This Is Local London:

The proposed stadium in Plough Lane

An EA spokesman, who confirmed that the EA has no objection in principle to the proposal, said: "We have reviewed the planning application submitted to Merton Council by AFC Wimbledon and Galliard Homes for the Greyhound Stadium in Wimbledon.

"Having assessed the application and supporting flood risk assessment, we have formally responded to the council objecting to the application as it has not been demonstrated that the development will not lead to a loss in flood storage and that surface water will be adequately managed.

"We have requested further information to help address these concerns and offered resolutions to address our concerns.

"The council is now assessing the application in line with local, regional and national planning policy and take on board responses from statutory consultees and the general public."

The report states planning permission should be refused because of a number of concerns including; it does not demonstrate sufficient flood storage compensation is available, or demonstrate surface water can be managed, or demonstrate there would be no increase in flood risk to the surrounding area.

The report states: "As highlighted in our objection above the proposal has currently failed to demonstrate adequate flood plain compensation and a satisfactory surface water drainage strategy."

The report claims the plans, which would see an 11,000 seat stadium built initially, is contrary to the council’s local planning policy.

To see the Environment Agency report in full click here Environment Agency report 2.pdf

The stadium plans are due to be discussed by the council’s planning committee in the spring.