Reaction from Erik Samuelson

AFC Wimbledon has been given the green light to proceed with a planning application for a new stadium at Plough Lane.

A potential return to the club’s spiritual home is a major step nearer after an independent inspector’s report confirmed that the Plough Lane site could be used for “Sporting Intensification”.

The endorsement of Merton Council’s proposed designation of the site now means that AFC Wimbledon can now take the next steps towards submitting a planning application for a football stadium on the site.

The club and its partner, Galliard Homes, have been working on preparations for public consultations, dates of which will be announced shortly. These will offer the first opportunity to view the club’s detailed plans for Plough Lane.

We can now move to the next stage of the process. 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. “ Chief Executive Erik Samuelson said “We are delighted with the inspector’s conclusions.

.New StadiumIf you've missed any of our previous announcements about a potential return to Plough Lane, including a video interview with Erik, please visit our dedicated section on the official website by clicking on