Sadiq Khan has hinted he may give the green light to AFC Wimbledon’s new stadium at Plough Lane if he becomes London Mayor, despite objecting to the plans last year.

Last month: AFC Wimbledon: Mayor of London Boris Johnson "calls in" Plough Lane stadium application for further consultations

AFC Wimbledon: What does the Boris call-in mean for Plough Lane?

The multi-million pound plans to re-develop the Greyhound Stadium and build a 20,000-seat stadium, as well as 602 flats, a creche, parking, shops and a squash and fitness centre, were met with unanimous approval at a Merton Council planning committee in December 2015.

AFC Wimbledon fans still celebrating victory - but will decision go into extra time?

But last month current Mayor Boris Johnson ‘called in’ the plans, effectively delaying the approval process due to 'significant issues of controversy', which will now be undertaken by his successor.

In February 2015 Mr Khan wrote to Erik Samuelson, chief executive of AFC Wimbledon, to express ‘serious concerns’ about the plans in the capacity of MP for Tooting.

Wandsworth residents have previously complained the development would lead to increased congestion on match days – and new residents of the 602 flats would put pressure on local health services and school places.

Mr Khan wrote: “There are serious concerns amongst some local residents about the impact a development of this proposed size will have on the community.

“I understand that Wandsworth Planning Application Committee voted to object to the application largely due to transportation and parking concerns, and the strain a 20,000-seat stadium, along with 600 houses would place on this part of Wandsworth.

“On behalf of my constituents I would strongly urge you to review the application as a matter of priority.”

But Mr Khan told the Wandsworth Guardian he may have to put his objections as a representative of Wandsworth residents and approve the application as Mayor.

Mr Khan said: “If I were Mayor I would have to be very careful not to open myself up to challenge by giving a view as a potential Mayor that would jeopardise me looking at the scheme as a whole.

“As Mayor I would look at the merits and make a decision based upon the advice from those in City Hall.

“The job of the Mayor is to represent all 32 boroughs and so what I shouldn’t do is prejudice that decision by giving a view as a potential Mayor.”

Mr Khan admitted an ‘emotional connection’ with Tooting and Wandsworth borough, but maintained his duty as would-be Mayor is to secure the best deal for the entire city.

Like Mr Khan, Conservative mayoral candidate Zac Goldsmith said he would have to look into the details of the proposal before making a final decision.

He said: “I would have to go through details and look at points in a way that that, as a mayoral candidate, I haven’t.

“For these developments you need to have communities in agreement.

“I think he made the right decision to call it in, but I’m not going to go into details related to this plan.”

The application process is due to re-start in July, at the earliest, after the May 5 mayoral election.