A rival greyhound stadium plan could also be submitted
The current greyhound track in Plough Lane, Wimbledon, to be used for sporting intensification, a planning inspector has decided.
It means organisations can submit planning applications which would accommodate football or greyhound racing or other sports.
AFC Wimbledon, who now play near Kingston, see the site as the perfect spot for the club to return to their spiritual home. The decision means they are now able to submit a planning application for a new stadium.
Last year they revealed plans to develop an 11,000 capacity ground, with the potential to expand to 20,000. Their scheme also included 600 new homes.
Wimbledon Chief Executive Erik Samuelson said: "There is still a long way to go and a lot of hard work to be done. But this is a significant moment in our plans to return to Wimbledon. We can now move to the next stage of the process."
But rival plans to re-develop the greyhound stadium and turn it into the 'Royal Ascot of Greyhound Racing' can also now be submitted.
Leader of Merton Council Councillor Stephen Alambritis said: "We look forward to seeing applications which will make Plough Lane one of the great places to come and see sport.
"We will also ensure that residents, businesses and community organisations will have every opportunity to take part in consultations throughout the planning process, so we will have a first class sporting venue in the borough which Merton can be proud of."
Following a four day hearing in January, the planning inspector has now completed his report. It can be viewed online at www.merton.gov.uk/sites_policies_plan.
June 6, 2014