Reactions have been pouring in after the Environment Agency (EA) recommended AFC Wimbledon’s plans should be rejected.

There has been a mixed reaction to the EA’s formal objection to the multi-million pound plans for a 20,000 seater stadium, 602 flats, shops, parking and a squash and fitness club, which could be built in phases, because of a lack of information.

Environment Agency objects to AFC Wimbledon stadium plans due to lack of information on flooding concerns

Charlie Talbot, spokesman for Bring the Dons Home campaign said: "I think it’s pretty good news.

"As Erik has said they [the Environment Agency] have said they agree with the plan in principle.

"It seems to be what the club and Galliard Homes was expecting."

A report issued on Wednesday, January 21 by the EA, and seen by the Wimbledon Guardian this morning, states the plans fail to demonstrate that the flood risk will not be increased by the development.

And it has demanded more information to prove that "the proposed development will not increase flood risk on site or to surrounding areas.’

The fact the area is on two different types of flood plain makes flooding risk a major consideration in deciding what is built on the dog track site in Plough Lane.

Iain Simpson of the Wimbledon Park Residents’ Association said the EA report supports the association’s view.

Mr Simpson said: "What has been published supports what we have been saying about the planning policy guidelines and what you can’t build on flood plains.

"From our point of view we are happy to see it published.

"Clearly they object on substantial grounds.

"It seems to me there is a lot of work left to do for the applicants."

Businessman Paschal Taggart, the man behind previous proposals to build a multi-million pound greyhound stadium on the site said the football stadium was an impossibility now.

Mr Taggart said: "To say I’m confused is putting it mildly.

"The letter from the EA is clear to anyone who understands English - they are objecting on the basis it is a risky flood plain.

"It is an impossible dream.

"They have as much chance of getting planning permission as I do of swimming the channel."

Mr Taggart’s plans have not been submitted to Merton Council for consideration and he re-iterated his intention to buy Plough Lane if AFC Wimbledon’s bid is unsuccessful.

The council’s planning committee will decide whether to approve the proposal at a meeting in the spring.

To comment on the plans email planning.representations@merton.gov.uk by February 2 including the application reference number 14/P4361, your name and address or visit www.merton.gov.uk and submit comments online.

The story so far:

Jan 23: Environment Agency objects to AFC Wimbledon stadium plans due to lack of information on flooding concerns

Wandsworth Times:

Jan 23: Don from across the pond: I have been thinking of home a lot recently

Jan 22: Environment Agency asks for more details on AFC Wimbledon stadium flood management plan

Jan 20: AFC Wimbledon: Connolly eyes emotional home-coming and a last Dons hurrah

Wandsworth Times:

Jan 19: AFC Wimbledon: Dons fan creates the ultimate football video to #BringTheDonsHome

Jan 16: Emotions run high at residents' association meeting on AFC Wimbledon stadium plans

Wandsworth Times:

Jan 16: AFC Wimbledon: Club legend puts his weight behind the #BringTheDonsHome campaign

Jan 14: AFC Wimbledon: With the deadline looming, the time is now to #BringtheDonsHome

Jan 14: Neighbours urged to attend AFC Wimbledon stadium plans meeting

Jan 12: A Womble's View: Bring the Dons home

Jan 7: Council gives leeway on AFC Wimbledon consultation

Jan 5: Letter to the Editor: We need more time to comment on AFC Wimbledon’s stadium plans

Dec 22 2014: What do you think of AFC Wimbledon's stadium plans? We took to the streets to find out

Wandsworth Times:

Dec 18 2014: Bring the Dons Home campaign urge fans to pen support for new Plough Lane stadium

Dec 17 2014: Letter to the Editor: Consultation on football stadium plan is too short

Dec 12 2014: AFC Wimbledon chief executive Erik Samuelson 'excited' about stadium bid

Wandsworth Times:

Wandsworth Times:

Wandsworth Times:

Dec 11 2014: Game on! Details of AFC Wimbledon's stadium bid finally revealed

November 14 2014: AFC Wimbledon submits plans for new stadium at Plough Lane

Wandsworth Times:

October 29 2014: Irish millionaire defends his new greyhound stadium proposals for Plough Lane

Oct 28 2014: Letter to the Editor: Objections to AFC plans are about substance not class

Oct 22 2014: AFC Wimbledon supporters group speaks out after smaller scale greyhound bid unveiled

Oct 22 2014: Letter to the Editor: New greyhound stadium plans are pathetic

Oct 22 2014: Poll: Passionate reaction to new greyhound stadium plans in Plough Lane, Wimbledon - have your say

Wandsworth Times:

Wandsworth Times:

Oct 21 2014: Millionaire businessman reveals shock new greyhound plans for Wimbledon Stadium

Oct 9 2014: Letter: Appalled by Wimbledon Park Residents' Association's AFC Wimbledon report

Sep 30 2014: AFC Wimbledon bid 'weak' in face of greyhound proposals, report on Plough Lane finds

Aug 1 2014: Letter to the Editor: Anger over AFC Wimbledon bias

July 3 2014: Letter to the Editor: AFC stadium plans great news for club and community

June 27 2014: AFC Wimbledon plans for new Plough Lane stadium go on display to the public

June 10 2014: New AFC Wimbledon stadium plans to be unveiled at public exhibitions

Wandsworth Times:

June 6 2014: All to play for in battle for Plough Lane between AFC Wimbledon and greyhound racing, inspector rules

April 22 2014: Letter to the Editor: Wimbledon football fans are not animals

April 14 2014: Letter to the Editor: We residents DO want AFC Wimbledon at Plough Lane

April 8 2014: Letter to the Editor: We residents do not want AFC Wimbledon back at Plough Lane

Jan 22 2014: 'Worst stadium in the world': Tensions high as campaigners debate future of Plough Lane Wimbledon Stadium

Jan 22 2014: Public hearing into future of the Wimbledon greyhound stadium gets underway

Dec 2 2013: Fans launch Bring the Dons Home campaign to bring AFC Wimbledon to Plough Lane