Court of Appeal to hear challenge over grant of planning permission for Wimbledon tennis grounds expansion

The All England Lawn Tennis Club's (AELTC) planned development would see 38 new tennis courts, tennis-related infrastructure and new buildings, including an 8,000-seat stadium, as well as extensive works to Wimbledon Park Lake.

The Mayor of London approved the plans – which are situated in in Wimbledon Park – in November 2024.

Campaign group Save Wimbledon Park (SWP) then launched a judicial review of the decision, claiming the mayor failed to take into account a number of material considerations in respect of a statutory trust and restrictive covenants associated with the land.

The challenge also alleged the mayor failed to consider whether the earlier land use management choices in the development site amounted to deliberate neglect, or damage to, a heritage asset contrary to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).

A third ground meanwhile argued that the mayor erred in its consideration of the NPPF paragraph 103 in respect of sports and recreational provision.

The High Court rejected all three grounds of challenge in July, leading SWP to lodge an appeal.

Permitting the appeal this week, Lord Justice Holgate said that the appellant's grounds "are arguable with a real prospect of success".

He added: "The case law on scheme benefits, deliverability, relevance, material considerations and irrationality merits review by the Court of Appeal."

Christopher Coombe of SWP said: "We believe that it is high time for the AELTC to recognise the raft of legal and principled problems with its proposals and sit down and talk constructively with SWP and the local community.

"Flexibility and imagination will produce a better scheme both in the public interest and which provides the AELTC with the financial and commercial benefits it seeks than the one they keep trying to force through regardless of the legal barriers."

The AELTC is bringing its own proceedings over the statutory public benefit trust which has protected Wimbledon Park since it was purchased by Wimbledon Corporation during the First World War.

That case is due to be heard by the High Court in January.

A GLA spokesperson said: “The Mayor believes this scheme will bring a significant range of benefits including environmental, economic, social and cultural benefits to the local area, the wider capital and the UK economy. It will create new jobs, public green spaces and cement Wimbledon’s reputation as the greatest tennis competition in the world.

“With legal proceedings ongoing, it is inappropriate to comment further at this stage.”

Adam Carey