AFC Wimbledon’s plans to push ahead with their new stadium at Plough Lane are being delayed by next week’s election.
The hold-up is because Historic England is assessing whether to make a recommendation to the secretary of state for culture, media and sport that the Wimbledon Greyhound Stadium, where the club’s new 11,000-seater ground will be built, should be listed.
That process is being delayed because of pre-election restrictions, which stop the government making decisions that could affect public support.
Mayor Sadiq Khan gave the new stadium the go ahead last August and Wimbledon are confident the listing will not be granted.
"They are waiting to secure the relevant legal agreements to proceed with the next phase of the project and hope to move into their new stadium for the 2019-20 season.
Dons chief executive Erik Samuelson said: “One of the things that will slow us down is the Historic England review.
"My concern is if they change the sports minister, who decides this, that could lead to a further delay, too.
“But in many other respects, we are looking good. I think we will have an agreement in the very near future.”
