Campaigners launch legal action against redevelopment of former golf course in Wimbledon
A local campaign group has started legal action to challenge the validity of the Mayor of London’s decision to grant planning permission for the All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC)’s proposed redevelopment of the former Wimbledon Park golf course.
The proposals will result in an additional 38 grass courts, as well as a new Show Court, allowing the AELTC to bring the Wimbledon Qualifying event on-site for the first time.
Save Wimbledon Park (SWP) contend that the planning decision made “errors of law and planning policy”, including a failure to appreciate that the proposed private tennis entertainment complex was not an “alternative sports and recreational provision” as required by planning policy.
The group also argue the decision failed to:
- take into account the implications of the statutory public recreation trust and the restrictive covenants, both of which prevent the proposed development; and
- note that recent golf course development was in planning policy terms “deliberate damage” to this historic heritage asset, such that the rectification of such damage should not count as a benefit.
The legal action names the AELTC and the London Boroughs of Merton and Wandsworth as Interested Parties.
According to SWP, the AELTC have stated that they wish to start their own legal proceedings, asking a court to decide whether the former golf course is subject to the statutory public recreation trust.
SWP said: “SWP’s research, and expert legal opinions, including from the Greater London Authority’s own lawyers, concluded that the land is protected by the trust, and that any development would be incompatible with its use by the public for recreation in the exercise of its rights under the trust.”
Jeremy Hudson on behalf of Save Wimbledon Park said: “We have taken this momentous step because our directors, members and the community feel strongly that this precious, historic and highly protected environment should be preserved from inappropriate development, be allowed to remain accessible, and continue to be available for community use for sport and recreation. This step is not just for our local community but also important for many other Metropolitan Open Land spaces under threat of development.”
A spokesperson for the Mayor of London, said: “The Mayor believes this scheme will bring a significant range of benefits including economic, social and cultural benefits to the local area, the wider capital and the UK economy, creating new jobs and cementing Wimbledon's reputation as the greatest tennis competition in the world. The Mayor has yet to be formally served with court papers and so it would not be appropriate to comment further at this stage.”
The AELTC has been approached for comment.
Lottie Winson
