The Environment Agency (EA) has asked for more detail about AFC Wimbledon’s stadium plans after the agency published a report into flooding concerns in Plough Lane.

The fact the area is on a flood plain makes it a major consideration in deciding what is built on the dog track site.

The club has welcomed the 'routine report', welcoming the fact that it raised no objections in principle but stating the report was a significant hurdle that has been overcome as part of a long road to what it hopes is success and a return to the borough.

The EA has requested more detail about the flood management aspect of the application to ensure it will provide the maximum benefits to existing and future residents.

Following the report, released yesterday, a flood management plan is now being prepared by AFC Wimbledon and Galliard Homes in conjunction with the emergency planners from Merton Council.

The development site lies within an area designated by the EA as Flood Zone 3a and 3b, based on the flood plain maps for the River Wandle.

The area is also at risk of surface water flooding and is highlighted as a Critical Drainage Area by the council.

However, the club said this does not in itself preclude any development on the site, provided certain conditions are met, which it says they have been in its plans.

AFC Wimbledon chief executive Erik Samuelson said: "From my point of view I welcome the comments.

"The really important point is they do not have any issues of principle.

"We are confident we can resolve this.

"It is a significant hurdle overcome.

"It is a really important matter the Environment Agency didn’t raise any issues of principle.

"We are satisfied we can resolve the other points they raised."

Among the comments raised, the report said the flood risk does not preclude development of the site, the flood risk will be no greater that it is at present and existing problems with surface water will be reduced.

It stated the measures to manage and reduce flood risk by AFC Wimbledon and Galliard Homes have been discussed in depth with the EA and satisfy the requirements of planning policy.

The club said to ensure the new residential properties do not flood, they will be raised on podiums.

The 20,000 seater stadium itself will have its own emergency plan to manage the safe evacuation and dispersal of fans during a match in the event of flooding.

A public consultation into the plans is continuing until February 2 after the council extended it.

The plans include a 20,000 seater football stadium, 602 flats, shops, parking and a squash and fitness club, which could be built in phases.

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 02 February 2015 including the application reference number 14/P4361, your name and address or visit www.merton.gov.uk and submit comments online.