Controversial plans to expand Wimbledon’s tennis courts have been approved by the High Court, sparking outrage from environmental campaigners.
The ruling is a major victory for the All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC), which has been pushing for the £200 million development.
Judges dismissed a legal challenge from campaign group Save Wimbledon Park, finding the land is not legally protected for public recreational use.
Campaigners argue the development will see green space lost, an increase in traffic, and disruption during construction.
The expansion would see 39 new grass courts built on the former Wimbledon Park Golf Club site, along with a new 8,000-seat show court.
However, the decision and legal battle has sparked strong opposition from local residents and environmental groups.
Save Wimbledon Park Campaign also points to long-standing legal contracts linked to the land.
When the golf course was sold by Merton Council to the All England Club in 1993, both agreed that the land would remain an open space.
“When we decided to sell this land, we did so, ensuring it would be kept as open space and […] that any future owner would be denied forever the opportunity to use this space for any development,” former council leader Tony Colman said.
While the ruling clears a major legal hurdle, the future of the expansion is not yet fully settled.
This is a developing story, we will bring you more details as they come. Please refresh the page to update.
HeadlineBacklash after High Court clears Wimbledon expansion plans
Short HeadlineControversial Wimbledon Expansion Cleared by High Court
StandfirstThe £200 million development will see a new 8,000-seat show court
Controversial plans to expand Wimbledon’s tennis courts have been approved by the High Court, sparking outrage from environmental campaigners.
The ruling is a major victory for the All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC), which has been pushing for the £200 million development.
Judges dismissed a legal challenge from campaign group Save Wimbledon Park, finding the land is not legally protected for public recreational use.
Campaigners argue the development will see green space lost, an increase in traffic, and disruption during construction.
The expansion would see 39 new grass courts built on the former Wimbledon Park Golf Club site, along with a new 8,000-seat show court.
However, the decision and legal battle has sparked strong opposition from local residents and environmental groups.
Save Wimbledon Park Campaign also points to long-standing legal contracts linked to the land.
When the golf course was sold by Merton Council to the All England Club in 1993, both agreed that the land would remain an open space.
“When we decided to sell this land, we did so, ensuring it would be kept as open space and […] that any future owner would be denied forever the opportunity to use this space for any development,” former council leader Tony Colman said.
While the ruling clears a major legal hurdle, the future of the expansion is not yet fully settled.
