AFC Wimbledon’s plans for a stadium in Plough Lane were the subject of a heated public meeting last night as the council announced it was extending its consultation on the scheme.

About 70 people attended the meeting at Kohat Road Church Hall organised by the Wimbledon Park Residents’ Association (WPRA) where emotions continued to run high from both supporters and opponents of the plan.

Game on! Details of AFC Wimbledon's stadium bid finally revealed

This morning Merton Council announced that it was extending the consultation period until February 2 because of the large amount of interest it has received.

The move comes after criticism from local councillors that people needed more time to get to grips with the complex proposals that would have a major impact on the surrounding area.

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

Iain Simpson, chairman of the WPRA said it had been an interesting, well attended, meeting.

Mr Simpson said: "The whole idea of the meeting was to present reports that we have put together.

"There were a lot of questions and comments. "We were pleased with the turn-out."

Anti-greyhound racing campaigner Laura Slade was among those to attend. She told the Wimbledon Guardian: "Of course residents are right to be worried about congestion but they failed to acknowledge any economic or social benefits of having AFC Wimbledon at Plough Lane.

"All they see is 20,000 people marauding through the area clogging up roads and stations. Similarly the housing - which I'm sure would be welcomed by those not yet on the property ladder was only discussed in terms of the extra impact on schools or GPs, something Paschal Taggart was careful to include in his plans."

Simon Wheeler, of the Wimbledon Independent Supporters Association (WISA) said: "The important thing of anything like this is that people have the right to have their say.

"We really need to see what is the best for the area, what is the best for the community and what is the best option."

Mr Simpson added the purpose of the public meeting was to raise the profile of the stadium plans, which would initially see 11,000 seats build before a possible expansion.

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.