The redevelopment of Dulwich Hamlet FC is set to go before a planning committee next week (July 27).  

A joint planning application from the club and owner Meadow Partners includes a new 4,000 capacity stadium, clubhouse, 3G playing pitch, and 219 homes.  

The club, which has changed hands numerous times, is based in Champion Hill.

The application seeks to move it to the adjacent Greendale playing fields, Metropolitan Open Land (MOL) owned by the council.  

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The plans

Nearly 2,000 people have commented on the application, which planning officers have recommended for approval, 1,285 in support and 553 to object.  

The majority of objections relate to the loss of MOL at Greendale.  

We want to achieve a secure and sustainable future for Greendale, where our vision of a natural open space to benefit wildlife and people is fully achieved. We also want to see a secure and sustainable future for Dulwich Hamlet Football Club

Community group Friends of Greendale opposes the plans on the grounds that it will enclose “a large portion of MOL”.  

“We want to achieve a secure and sustainable future for Greendale, where our vision of a natural open space to benefit wildlife and people is fully achieved. We also want to see a secure and sustainable future for Dulwich Hamlet Football Club. 

“We oppose the plans to build a new football stadium which would extend onto and enclose part of Greendale.  

“The proposal includes significant encroachment beyond the area of the current astroturf pitch and would narrow the green corridor from Dog Kennel Hill Wood to Green Dale lane. 

“Green Dale is MOL, which has the same status as Green Belt and is protected from building and enclosure. 

“The proposal would enclose a large section of MOL with a high wall or fence that blocks the openness and landscape value of Green Dale.  

“It would also see the loss of the current astroturf, which is a place for the community to exercise and play,” the group said in a statement.  

Concerns were also raised about the protection of the “current mosaic of diverse habitats”.  

Without you all the corner could never have been turned and we hope the committee will approve the application and allow the club to continue in its new direction, adding sporting provision and facilities in Southwark to the work we already do in the community

The club and Dulwich Hamlet Supporters Trust (DHST) released a statement informing fans of the upcoming decision date and thanking them for their support. 

“This is the moment our fans have fought long and hard to see happen, to secure the long-term future and objectives that can only be delivered by this scheme – allowing the club to remain owned by its fans and stay in the heart of its community. 

“We go into this committee on the back of continued and overwhelming support from our fans and the local community and the club would like to thank everyone for their support over the years, both in keeping the club going and demonstrating their backing for the plans.  

“Without you all the corner could never have been turned and we hope the committee will approve the application and allow the club to continue in its new direction, adding sporting provision and facilities in Southwark to the work we already do in the community. 

“The club and the trust are respectful of the fact that there has been some local opposition to the scheme primarily due to the renovation and enclosure of our derelict astro turf pitch but, after long and careful consideration of that and all other factors, the planning officers at London Borough of Southwark have recommended that the application should be approved.  

“We believe it is important to listen to different views and opinions before conclusions are reached and it was encouraging to see not only that the council’s process allowed everyone to have a voice, but also the vast majority were in favour of the plans. 

“We would like to thank all of you who have asked for updates since the application was submitted for your patience but it was important to invest the time required to address every concern and idea raised.  

“We have been committed to engaging positively with all stakeholders to deliver the best possible scheme, which means the application that will be presented is submitted both with the support of the community and the positive recommendations from the council and other consulting authorities,” they said.  

The planning meeting will be held virtually on Monday, July 27, at 6.30pm.