HAMLET KEEP FINGERS CROSSED
DULWICH Hamlet will finally learn later this month if their application for a new stadium, built adjacent to their current home of Champion Hill, has been approved.
A committee from the London Borough of Southwark Council will announce their decision on Dulwich’s proposal on July 27.
It has been a long process for the south London club, who first sent an application to the council in August 2019.
Meadow Residential currently allow Hamlet to play at Champion Hill (the club’s home on-and-off since 1931) rent-free, having evicted the National League South side for nine months in 2018.
“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,” a club statement read.
“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 the planning officers at London Borough of Southwark have recommended that the application should be approved.”
Dulwich are aware remaining on the same plot would prevent promotion to Step 1, as the capacity and facilities are not up to the required standard.
Fan-owned Hamlet estimate it would cost in excess of £2m to renovate Champion Hill to meet requirements, something that has been deemed unfeasible.
Instead,
Meadow Residential will be fronting the cost of the new stadium, with a sizeable housing development being built alongside.
Remaining in Southwark also allows the club to continue being a pillar of the local community.
“We have been committed to engaging positively with all stakeholders to defactors, liver 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,” the statement finished.