The All England Lawn Tennis Club's ambitious £65 million expansion plans for Wimbledon have suffered a crushing defeat after the Court of Appeal upheld a decision to block the controversial development.
Historic Parkland Protection Triumphs
In a landmark ruling that pits sporting expansion against environmental conservation, three senior judges dismissed the AELTC's appeal against the refusal of planning permission. The decision represents a major victory for local residents and conservation groups who fiercely opposed the development on protected Metropolitan Open Land.
The Controversial Proposal
The rejected plans involved constructing 38 new tennis courts and an 8,000-seat show court on Grade II*-listed Wimbledon Park's former golf course. The development would have seen significant transformation of the 73-acre site, which the AELTC acquired for £65 million in 2018.
Local authorities had initially approved the scheme, but the Greater London Authority intervened, with Deputy Mayor Jules Pipe calling in the decision for review. The GLA ultimately refused permission, citing concerns about the loss of open space and environmental impact.
Judicial Backing for Conservation
Lord Justice Coulson, delivering the ruling, emphasised that the planning inspector's decision was "thorough, careful, and fair" in balancing the benefits against the harm to protected land. The court found no legal error in the inspector's approach, dealing a final blow to the AELTC's hopes for immediate expansion.
What This Means for Wimbledon's Future
This ruling represents a significant setback for the world's most prestigious tennis tournament. The expansion was seen as crucial for maintaining Wimbledon's status amid growing competition from other Grand Slam events.
The AELTC expressed disappointment but acknowledged the court's decision. Club officials must now reconsider their strategy for modernising facilities while respecting environmental protections and local concerns.
This case sets an important precedent for future developments on protected open land in London and highlights the growing tension between sporting expansion and environmental conservation in urban areas.
