AFC Wimbledon have suffered a setback in their plans to return to Plough Lane after the Mayor of London called in the planning application for their new stadium.
Boris Johnson last night announced the Greater London Authority (GLA) will be reviewing the application as part of a fresh consultation process.
A new Mayor is due to be elected on May 5 and the consultation is unlikely to begin before July, meaning Johnson will be handing over the duties to the next incumbent.
AFC Wimbledon chief executive Erik Samuelson said: “We are disappointed that the application has not been approved today.
“We will immediately set about understanding the detailed reasons for the Mayor’s decision. While this is a setback, the story is not over.
“We have made a very strong case for the application and we will do so again. We remain confident that we will be successful, albeit after some delay to our aspirations.”
Merton Borough Council granted the Dons permission to return to their spiritual home at a planning committee meeting in December.
Wimbledon are looking to build a 20,000-seater arena, with an initial capacity of up to 11,000, on the site which is currently home to stock car and greyhound racing.
AFC Wimbledon have suggested the decision to call in the plans this week was made because the development is seen as being of strategic importance to the area.
