Dons' move given green light

Wimbledon could move to Milton Keynes within eight weeks after they were granted planning permission at the National Hockey Stadium.

The Dons must decide whether to build a temporary ground there after the local council granted permission to redevelop the site.

Ultimately the club hope to make a permanent move to a new stadium to be built at the Milton Keynes Bowl, but their application for planning permission is still outstanding.

The Hockey Stadium would require extensive redvelopment to meet Football League standards, including 2,000 extra seats, turnstiles, a new pitch and CCTV cameras, and Wimbledon have yet to secure a landlord’s agreement on the site.

But the club are confident they could deliver a temporary ground there within eight weeks if they can raise the money.

Dons spokesman Graham Thorley said: “The club’s intention is to play in Milton Keynes as soon as possible and we are looking at all options.”