A multi-million pound plan for a new greyhound stadium in Plough Lane may be submitted to Merton Council, which could derail AFC Wimbledon’s dream of coming home.

Representatives of Irish businessman Paschal Taggart have organised a meeting at Merton Council to discuss his ideas for a state-of-the-art greyhound racing track in Plough Lane, Wimbledon, to rival the football stadium.

Wimbledon Times:

An artist's impression of a new greyhound stadium. Image: Hamilton Architects

Mr Taggart has not submitted a formal planning application at this stage but he is getting advice from the council about how to do so.

He revealed plans for it as far back as 2013 but they have not come to fruition. 

October 2014: Millionaire businessman reveals shock new greyhound plans for Wimbledon Stadium

The council unanimously approved AFC Wimbledon’s plans to build its new stadium on the site in December 2015, and the current greyhound racing track was due to close in June.

The club had plans approved for a 20,000-seat stadium, as well as 602 flats, a crèche, shops and a fitness centre. The initial plan will be 11,000 seats.

April 2016: Mayor of London Boris Johnson: "maybe I made the wrong decision" calling in AFC Wimbledon's Plough Lane stadium

As part of the process, the Mayor of London, at the time Boris Johnson, had to make a decision whether to allow development to go ahead or review it.

He chose to ‘call it in’, but the timing of his decision in March meant it is now up to former Tooting MP and new Mayor Sadiq Khan, to make the decision.

March 22: AFC Wimbledon decision time: Will the Mayor of London Boris Johnson agree to "bring back the Dons" to Plough Lane?

Mr Taggart, who has courted controversy in the past by creating an advanced plan for a ‘Royal Ascot of greyhound racing’ but then not submitting it to the council, now says he intends to formally submit it for consideration by the planning committee.

Erik Samuelson, AFC Wimbledon’s chief executive said: “Anyone can put in a planning application. I am surprised given he has no possession of the land.”

Mr Taggart said: “Up to now I thought the time and expense was a complete waste of time. For me it was clear a deal had been hatched between Galliard Homes, AFC and Merton Council.

March 2013: Businessman Paschal Taggart unveils plan to turn Wimbledon stadium into 'Royal Ascot' of dog racing

“The final planning of 602 apartments with 9.6 per cent affordable housing, was incredible and a total disgrace for a Labour-controlled council. Fair play to Boris Johnson, he saw through it all and called the plans in.

“Now we have Mayor Sadiq Khan in charge, whose number one objective is to increase affordable housing in London.

“He was reared a few hundred yards from the greyhound track and with St George’s Hospital nearby, he is fully aware of the need for affordable housing in the area.

“As a former Minister for Transport he will be extremely experienced in assessing the nightmare of such a large development plus a 20,000 seat football stadium.

“In summary I believe that the Galliard Homes/AFC scheme has very little chance of being passed, and our scheme is outstanding in dealing with the major areas of concern.

"Our scheme I understand, is fully supported by the residents of Wimbledon, Wandsworth and Earlsfield and all are against the Galliard/AFC scheme.”

In late 2014 he unveiled a plan which included space to house a Sure Start pre-school, doctor’s surgery and Christopher’s Squash Club and sports injury clinic with a drop-off lay-by outside.

Having revised it from an earlier ambitious proposal, the number of apartments were slashed from 550 to 230, with fewer car parking places as a result, and a small retail space.

Mr Taggart's plan for the greyhound racing stadium itself would include a four storey stadium including the ground floor, and be reduced from 4,500 seats to 3,000.