AFC Wimbledon fans are in shock after the Mayor of London decided to "call in" the plans for the new stadium in Plough Lane.

From today: AFC Wimbledon: What does the Boris call-in mean for Plough Lane?

The Mayor will now act as the local planning authority and begin the consultation process again before a decision is made.

December 16: AFC Wimbledon fans still celebrating victory - but will decision go into extra time?

As the mayoral election is due to to take place on May 5, it is unlikely this process will begin until July, at which point it will be taken over by the new Mayor.

From December: Cheers and hugging as AFC Wimbledon have Plough Lane stadium plans unanimously approved by Merton Council

The multi-million pound plans to re-develop the Greyhound Stadium and build a 20,000 seater stadium, as well as 602 flats, a creche, parking, shops and a squash and fitness centre, were met with unanimous approval at a Merton Council planning committee in December 2015.

From December: Live blog: #DDayforDons All the news on the AFC Wimbledon Plough Lane decision

Leader of the Merton Council, Councillor Stephen Alambritis, who is a vocal supporter of AFC Wimbledon, described Boris Johnson's decision this evening as "very, very disappointing".

He said: "It's a very disappointing decision on the part of a Mayor who has had other things on this mind.

"I don't know why, given the unanimous decision, the response to the consultations and his own Greater London Assembly officers asking him to approve it, he is stalling.

"I think it's very poor on his part to hand the decision to a new Mayor."

In February 2015, Mr Johnson expressed concern about the stadium plans, highlighting in particular issues with affordable housing, flood risks and transport.

And after Merton’s Council’s approval of the plans, planning spokeswoman at Wandsworth Council, Councillor Sarah McDermott, expressed concerns with the application, and called on the Mayor to “intervene and scrutinise this application much more comprehensively.”

Chief executive of AFC Wimbledon, Erik Samuelson, said: "I'm very disappointed. It's a decision to review the plans, it's not a decision to say no.

"We will represent our case strongly and clearly, and I still think it's an overwhelmingly positive case.

"We are planning and expecting that this is a delay and not a problem.

"I would rather it had not happened, but if it needs to be done to show how strong the case is then so be it. That's the Mayor's prerogative."

He added: "We are surprised but upbeat. It's something we will deal with."