A High Court judge is scheduled to deliver a ruling on Monday regarding a legal challenge to the approved expansion of the Wimbledon tennis venue.
Save Wimbledon Park (SWP) campaigners brought the challenge against the Greater London Authority’s (GLA) 2023 decision to approve the All England Club’s development plans. The proposed expansion would nearly triple the tournament site’s size by adding 38 tennis courts and constructing an 8,000-seat stadium on the former Wimbledon Park Golf Club grounds.
Mr. Justice Saini will announce his decision at 2pm on Monday.
The All England Club acquired the golf club property from members in 2021 with development intentions, subsequently submitting planning applications to both Merton and Wandsworth councils, as the park spans both boroughs. The comprehensive development plans include tennis courts, supporting infrastructure, seven maintenance buildings, access points, and designated parkland areas with public access provisions. Additional work on Wimbledon Lake involves constructing a boardwalk that encircles and spans the water feature.
The application process became complex when Merton Council approved the plans while Wandsworth Council rejected them. Consequently, the Mayor of London’s office assumed responsibility for the decision. However, Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan recused himself due to his previous public endorsement of the project.
Jules Pipe, London’s deputy mayor for planning, ultimately granted planning permission, stating the proposals would deliver substantial benefits that clearly outweigh potential negative impacts.
During a two-day High Court hearing, SWP’s legal representatives argued that the planning approval was unlawful. Their central contention focused on Wimbledon Park’s status as a Grade II*-listed heritage site, partially designed by renowned landscape architect Lancelot “Capability” Brown, which they claimed imposed specific usage restrictions.
Sasha White KC, representing SWP, argued that the land operates under a statutory trust requiring preservation for public recreational use. Additionally, when the All England Club acquired the freehold, they entered restrictive covenants governing land usage. White emphasized the site’s exceptional protection level within the planning framework.
The GLA’s defense, presented by Mark Westmoreland Smith KC, maintained that Jules Pipe received comprehensive legal advice regarding the trust and covenants’ relevance before making his decision. The GLA argued that this constituted a proper planning judgment, considering appropriate and relevant factors, with the decision made assuming these restrictions existed.
Russell Harris KC, representing the All England Club, stated that planning officers acknowledged and considered the trust and covenants but determined they were not materially significant to the planning decision.
The ruling will determine whether the expansion can proceed as approved or if the campaigners have successfully challenged the development on legal grounds.
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