Press release from Club
This article is an update on where we are in the process and what might happen next. Late last week, jointly with Galliard Homes, we submitted a number of changes to our planning application for a new stadium in Plough Lane.
For Merton and Wandsworth combined there were approximately 570 letters of objection and over 2,100 letters supporting the application. Earlier this year the London Borough of Merton carried out its statutory consultation on the application. This resulted in around 7,000 individual responses from members of the public, of which around 40% were from residents living in the London Boroughs of Merton and Wandsworth.
Since the statutory consultation, we have carefully considered the extensive responses received and the issues raised by residents and consultees. In addition, we attended two public forums to address residents’ concerns directly and have continued discussions with the London Boroughs of Merton and Wandsworth, the GLA, TfL, the Environment Agency, Sport England, and other consultees.
The issues covered and the relevant bodies with whom we have held detailed discussions are: As a result of these discussions substantial further information has been provided to these bodies in response to the queries raised in their consultation responses.
Flooding – the Environment Agency and the Merton Flood Team 1.
Highways – TfL, London Borough of Merton Transport and London Borough of Wandsworth transport 2.
Sustainability/Energy – GLA, London Borough of Merton 3.
Design, including accessibility – GLA, London Borough of Merton 4.
Statement of Community Involvement – General Parties 5.
With these additional submissions we believe that the initial concerns regarding flooding, highways (including parking), sustainability/energy and design including accessibility have now been addressed.
These are outlined below: The changes that have been made to the scheme itself primarily relate to the basement, ground and podium level of the residential blocks, the North/South street and the East Stand elevation of the stadium.
Basement revisions – These primarily relate to a reconfiguration required to provide additional cycle storage for the residential accommodation and separate car parking for users of the proposed squash club facility. 1.
Ground floor elevations – Further detail has been provided on various frontages including detailed accessibility arrangements throughout the development. 2.
North/South Street – Changes have been made to the pedestrian street which connects Plough Lane to Riverside Road, to give it greater identity/atmosphere on non-match days, to include cycle parking for visitors/supporters to the stadium and to provide greater pedestrian access to the stadium. 3.
Stadium East Stand – Careful consideration has been given to the design of the east wall of the stadium, i.e. the one that adjoins the north/south street, to give it greater visual interest and better connection with activities at street level. A number of proposals have been made which are designed to promote greater use of the street, especially on non-match days and which will provide a facility for both the surrounding community and visitors to the stadium. 4.
Following that, we expect that Merton will set a date for a Planning Applications Committee meeting later this year. The norm for such consultations is 21 days. Following the submission of these changes, we understand that the London Borough of Merton will shortly be conducting a further consultation and loading this additional documentation onto their web site.