Background
If you simply want the model letter and instructions, please scroll down to “What to say”.
Merton Council has recently issued a document containing its Core Strategy for the long-term borough plan (known as the local development framework, or LDF). This plan will set out what can and cannot be built in Merton until 2030.
The council is calling for comments from the general public, with a deadline of FRIDAY, 16th OCTOBER AT 5 P.M.
This gives us a golden opportunity to help bring the Dons back to Merton by ensuring the plan makes provision for a football or sports stadium within the borough boundaries should the opportunity arise. If and when AFC Wimbledon is in a position to consider moving back, a commitment by Merton Council to help us return, enshrined within the plan, would be of crucial importance.
Two years ago, there was a similar consultation exercise. The document was very technical – as is the latest document -- and WISA organized a write-in campaign, with a model response for fans to use.
This campaign was successful – we got 150 replies, and the new Core Strategy now includes some provision for a sports stadium in Merton.
IT’S NOW VITALLY IMPORTANT TO BUILD ON THAT AND ONCE AGAIN SHOW MERTON COUNCIL HOW MUCH SUPPORT THERE IS FOR A FUTURE RETURN OF OUR FOOTBALL CLUB TO ITS HOME BOROUGH.
If you replied at the previous stage, thank you and please comment again. If this is your first time, please make a comment and help us get a much bigger response to make the council take notice!
Who can comment?
You don’t have to live in Merton to comment – responses from outside the borough will be equally valid.
What to say
You can use the WISA response just as it is. If you can rewrite it in your own words, or add your own personal comments, so much the better. But the important thing is for as many people as possible to send in a constructive comment.
The WISA response is:
25. Open Space, Nature and Recreation (Policy 12).
We welcome Merton Council’s support for a sports stadium within the borough and also the support for retaining the Greyhound Stadium site for leisure uses, as set out in paragraph 25.17 of the draft Core Strategy.
Our wish is for AFC Wimbledon to play in a new stadium as close as possible to Wimbledon FC’s historic home on Plough Lane. This would replace an asset that was lost to Merton when the old Plough Lane stadium was sold. We believe that such a stadium would be a catalyst for regeneration and contribute to improving the environment, economy and wider community. Whilst we acknowledge that the Core Strategy is not a site specific document, we believe that an ideal location for a new stadium would be the Greyhound Stadium site.
Wimbledon FC was an important part of the history and community of Merton and a new stadium within the borough would enable AFC Wimbledon, as the continuation of Wimbledon FC, to strengthen its links within the community in which the club originated.
Suggested Changes to the draft Core Strategy:
Whilst the draft Core Strategy’s support for a sports stadium is welcomed, we believe this should be strengthened further. This wording is currently set out within the supporting text (paragraph 25.17) to policy 12 (Open space, nature and recreation) but should form part of the policy itself. The reference to the support for the retention of the Greyhound Stadium site for leisure uses should also be included as part of policy 12 itself.
How to comment
Merton Council prefer comments online, using the dedicated website. However, WISA are aware from the previous consultation that the website isn't particularly user-friendly (although it has been made easier since last time) so respondents may want to e-mail their views instead. Full instructions for both are given below. Either way, you can simply copy and paste the WISA model response with or without your own comments.
Commenting by e-mail
If you prefer to reply direct to the council, e-mail your response to ldf@merton.gov.uk but remember, you’ll have to include your name, address, telephone number and e-mail address.
Commenting online
Go to LDF Consultation
If you responded last time, you should already have been sent a username and password. If not, you can register and will be sent a password. Either way, click on the log in/register box in the menu bar along the top to access the site.
Once logged in, click on “Read and comment on the document”.
Scroll down the menu on the left and click on “Section 25 – Open Space, Nature and Recreation (Policy 12).”
Once on the page, click on “Add comments” in the top right-hand corner.
Scroll down the questionnaire to Q1 Do you support the overall spatial vision and strategic objectives of the draft Core Strategy?
Click “Yes” and in the Comments box, write “None.”
Then scroll down to Q6 Are there any other aspects of the draft Core Strategy you support/do not support?
Click “Support”, then go to the Q6 Comments box and add the model response, with or without your comments.
Click submit and wait for the confirmation message. And that’s it!
Replying using the paper questionnaire
Paper questionnaires are available at all Merton libraries and the Civic Centre. You can also get questionnaires and reply-paid envelopes by phoning 0208 545 3041 or 0208 545 3814 or by e-mailing ldf@merton.gov.uk . WISA can send you a questionnaire (but no envelope) if you e-mail publicity@wisa.org.uk
The questionnaire is inside the brochure accompanying the hard copy of the Core Strategy.
All you have to do is answer Question 6 (though you can of course complete the whole questionnaire if you wish!)
Under Question 6, tick the “Yes” box, write “Please see attached” in the “Comments” line, and attach the WISA model response with or without your own comments, to the questionnaire.
IMPORTANT: Some questionnaires have no box for your name and address, so PLEASE include your name, address, phone number and e-mail address on your attached sheet.
If you live in Merton or are visiting it soon, you can deliver your letter to the Civic Centre at London Road, Morden, Surrey, SM4 5DX to save going through Royal Mail. To ensure letters get personally delivered to the right department, you should phone Doreen or Mariama on 0208 545 3041 once you get to the Civic Centre, using the phone in The Link. Outside office hours you can leave envelopes in the letter box to the right of the main doors.
Writing a letter
If you don’t want to use a questionnaire, you can write to:
Spatial Planning, Environment & Regeneration Dept, London Borough of Merton, Merton Civic Centre, London Road, Morden SM4 4BR. Please include your name, address, phone number and any e-mail address.
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