If you are reading, is it possible to incorporate some space on the site for the construction and on-leasing of rooms for either a medical or veterinary practice, or indeed some other commercial purpose that the Council/Community may look favourably upon

The latter i.e. veterinary practice, may be useful for residents as it supports all manners of pets rather than just being seen as a greyhound facility. It could also be developed as an ambassador for greyhound adoption and welfare.

Also can provide more cash flow to the club for general prizemoney, special events etc

A track here in Australia, Dapto on the South Coast of NSW has been very proactive in developing their land to include other commercial space for leasing which serves the community and also provides valuable rental cash flow to the Club

Hence they are one of the most progressive clubs here, even though they aren't recognized as a 'city club'

They had a Group 1 race last year for the first time worth $75k to the winner

They have a McDonalds restaurant on the site and have had for at least the last 20 years

Feedback from the residents proved to be hugely in favour of greyhounds against football, she said. Several commented on the surprisingly stark choice they were presented with either the concrete jungle of a football stadium, or the far more space effective and community friendly greyhound one.

"You feel as if Merton Council have allowed their collective common sense to desert them in allowing things to get so far the parking problems and flood plain issues alone astounded many of those present, something that is simply not an issue with our plan."

In another development, Paddy Ryan, the former managing director of Shelbourne Park, is organising a protest outside Namas offices in Dublin on the eve of the Boylesports Irish Derby final in September.

Paschal Taggart, the Irish businessman looking to redevelop Wimbledon, said: Everyone should remember Nama, rather than Galliards, own the Wimbledon site and its future is one of major importance to the important Irish breeding and training industry.

"Common sense is also needed in terms of making the right investment for Ireland and I hope as many people as possible help us make the point at the Treasury Buildings at 2pm on Friday September 12 round the corner from Shelbourne.

EXTERNAL LINK

AFC Wimbledon bid 'weak' in face of greyhound proposals, report on Plough Lane finds.

By Becky Middleton, Chief Reporter

Planning experts have raised concerns over building a new football stadium in Plough Lane because of flooding and transport issues, a new report has found.

An investigation commissioned by the Wimbledon Park Residents' Association (WPRA) said the greyhound stadium bid was "considered a more sustainable and robust proposal at this stage of development."

This was based on what it called weaknesses in AFC Wimbledon proposals to address transport, road network, flooding and drainage issues.

The two controversial bids for Plough Lane in Wimbledon, currently home to the greyhound stadium, will be decided by Merton Council once planning applications have been submitted.

AFC Wimbledon chief executive Erik Samuelson remained tight-lipped on the report's findings, saying: "The real test of our proposals will be the process carried out by the planning department at the council.

"We are making sure it complies with the policies - that is where we will be making our comments."

The report by highly regarded company RPS Consultants said: "A comparison of the two schemes has concluded that due to the lower density proposed by the greyhound stadium scheme this development has the most realistic prospect of addressing site constraints associated with transportation and flood risk."

It noted the site has poor or moderate accessibility to public transport and there are some restrictions to improving access to the site.

Iain Simpson, chairman of the WPRA said: "We wanted to look at both proposals in planning terms to see what problems there were.

"It is an interesting conclusion."

The report stated it had significant concerns regarding the large capacity and high density of the AFC proposals, including limited car parking facilities, lack of space for coaches, demand for on-street parking and large surges on public transport.

AFC Wimbledon proposes to build a 20,000 seater football stadium for its return to Merton, with 600 homes and other facilities.

The greyhound stadium proposal would see Irish businessman Paschal Taggart fund a 4,500 seater stadium with 550 homes and facilities.

A recent survey carried out by WPRA of its residents found 80 per cent of people asked did not support a proposal for AFC Wimbledon for the site.

AFC Wimbledon is hoping to submit its application to the council this month.

EXTERNAL LINK

That sounds good thanks Paschal - fingers crossed it all happens for you and the sport!