Campaigners from Save Wimbledon Park opposed the GLA's decision to approve the All England Club's plan for 39 new courts and an 8,000-seat stadium on Wimbledon Park. Residents and campaigners gathered at the Royal Courts of Justice, holding placards and chanting slogans. They argued that the GLA neglected redevelopment restrictions tied to the land, established during the acquisition of the golf course in 1993. The lawyer for Save Wimbledon Park highlighted the significant protections for the land, including its designation as Metropolitan Open Land and existing tree preservation orders, arguing that the burden on the All England Club to justify the proposal was substantial.
The plans involve a remarkably large area of land equivalent to 50 football pitches and would see Wimbledon's current total of 41 tennis courts increased to 80.
The application site has some of the most restricted planning restraints possible, and the burden on the All England Club to justify the proposal was very strong.
The land is designated as Metropolitan Open Land, protected by a covenant and tree preservation orders, and is within the Wimbledon North Conservation Area.
Jules Pipe, London's deputy mayor for planning, stated that the proposals would facilitate very significant benefits which clearly outweigh the harm.
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