Save Wimbledon Park challenges Mayor's approval at Court of Appeal

Save Wimbledon Park (SWP) has taken its challenge against the Mayor of London's approval of the All England Lawn Tennis Club's (AELTC) expansion plans to the Court of Appeal. The group is contesting the decision to allow the construction of an 8,000-seat stadium and 38 tennis courts on the former Wimbledon Park Golf Course, adjacent to the main Wimbledon grounds.

Campaigners' Legal Argument

The core of SWP's argument centres on the land's historical status. Campaigners contend that the former golf course is subject to a statutory trust and restrictive covenants, established when local authorities previously owned the land. They assert these legal protections mandate that the site must remain available for public recreational use in perpetuity. Sasha White KC, representing SWP, described the statutory trust as a "showstopper" during the hearing, arguing that planning law prohibits development unless "very special circumstances" are met.

The legal battle has been ongoing for five years. SWP's barrister argued that the Greater London Authority (GLA) could not justify developing protected Metropolitan Open Land by citing an urgent need for additional sporting facilities without first considering the legal impediments to building on the site. The land in question holds multiple designations, including Metropolitan Open Land, Open Space, and Registered Park and Garden of Special Historic Interest, and is also within a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation and a Green Corridor.

AELTC's Position

The All England Lawn Tennis Club, defending the approval alongside the GLA, stated it was frustrated by the protracted five-year planning process but aimed to commence work before 2030. Dominic Foster, Head of the Chair’s Office at AELTC, disputed claims of refusal to engage, stating the club had held meetings with campaigners. He added that while SWP remained opposed, "the vast majority of people want this to happen."

AELTC maintains that the expansion is necessary to ensure Wimbledon remains competitive with other major international tennis tournaments. The club also stated that the development would provide 27 acres of new parkland for public use, alongside a de-silted lake, once the process is complete. Russell Harris KC, leading AELTC's case, argued that the GLA was correct to focus on the planning merits of the expansion rather than the trusts and covenants.

Planning History and Next Steps

Merton Council initially approved the plans in October 2023, but Wandsworth Council rejected them the following month. The Mayor of London called in the application in January 2024, with permission ultimately granted by the Deputy Mayor for Planning in September 2024. The current appeal follows the High Court's dismissal of SWP's initial appeal in July 2025. A further hearing specifically on the trusts is scheduled for next summer, indicating the dispute could extend until at least 2028.

Despite the ongoing legal challenges, AELTC remains confident that construction work will begin by 2030. SWP, however, remains committed to its legal challenge, with Mr Coombe expressing confidence in their appeal prospects.