Wimbledon’s ambitious expansion plans – which include the construction of an 8,000-seat show court and 38 other grass courts – have been approved by Merton Council, which met on Thursday evening to give the move the green light despite public disapproval.
When the result of the vote was announced, a spectator in the public gallery shouted that the council chamber had become a ‘climate crime scene’ and was asked to leave.
Planning officers did advise that proposals would result in ‘physical damage’ to Metropolitan Open Land – but concluded that ‘very special circumstances’ meant that ‘substantial public benefits would clearly outweigh the damage’.
A spokesperson for the London Borough of Merton said: “After considering the officer’s report, relevant submissions and the relevant planning framework, the independent planning committee, made up of councilors from all parties, has voted to approve the All England Lawn application . Tennis Ground (AELTG) to expand its Wimbledon site.
“There are further stages in the planning process and the land remains subject to the covenants set out in the 1993 transfer from Council to AELTG.
“Until these covenants are properly addressed by AELTG, they restrict the use and development of the land as proposed in the planning application.”
If the plan goes ahead, it is unlikely the new courts will be in use until 2030 at the earliest. Wandsworth Council is next in line as their boundaries also cover part of the site.
The matter would then have to be resolved by London Mayor Sadiq Khan and the Greater London Authority – a process that Iain Simpson, chairman of the Wimbledon Park Residents’ Association, says will not be easy.
He said: “We are not at all surprised by the outcome of the vote. Most of the inconsistencies in the report have been glossed over.
‘Merton didn’t even bring their own experts to the hearing, but instead relied on the applicant to advise the councilors asking the questions! Moreover, their statements about the environment still ignored their own expert advice that did not suit them!
“Despite all that has been said about the stadium and buildings, these are still outlines – and outline plans on conservation land are in breach of their own planning regulations,” Simpson added.
“They cannot therefore be discussed in a meaningful way. This is just one stage in a long process for which Save Wimbledon Park is well prepared.”