Ellie Ames 23 January 2024

City Hall to decide on Wimbledon expansion plans

City Hall to decide on Wimbledon expansion plans image
Image: wimbledon.com

The Mayor of London’s office has called in a controversial planning application to expand Wimbledon’s tennis grounds.

The All England Lawn Tennis Club, which runs the Wimbledon championships, wants to expand onto Wimbledon Park with the development of 39 new tennis courts, including an 8,000 seat ‘show court’.

The cross-boundary planning application was rejected by Wandsworth Council but approved by neighbouring Merton.

The mayor’s office said yesterday: ‘This is a major planning application of London-wide significance.

‘Therefore, the deputy mayor has issued a direction under Article 7 of the Town and Country Planning (Mayor of London) Order that he becomes the local planning authority for the purposes of determining the application.’

Last year, London mayor Sadiq Khan recused himself from involvement in the decision because he publicly expressed his support for the plans in 2021, so his planning powers have been delegated to his deputy mayor for planning, regeneration and skills, Jules Pipe.

A full planning hearing will be held ‘in due course’, but the upcoming London mayoral election means it is uncertain when this will take place.

Campaign group Save Wimbledon Park said it was glad that the mayor’s office would review the decision.

The group’s chair, Iain Simpson, said: ‘If this application were to proceed this would open the floodgates for development on green spaces simply to further the commercial activities of a private members’ club.

‘These green spaces are not called London’s lungs for nothing. They are areas for people’s health, recreation and well-being that have never been more needed.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Family Support Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 6 - £27,269 - £30,060 (Pay award pending)
Do you have a real passion for helping families to make positive changes for themselves and their children? This might be the right role for you!   WH Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Clerical Officer Receptionist

Durham County Council
Grade 3 £24,404 - £25,183 Pro Rata to hours worked Pay award pending
WHAT IS INVOLVED? We are looking to appoint a part time Clerical officer/Receptionist within Business Services to provide a professional, effective a Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Administration Assistant

Durham County Council
£25,584 - £27,711 pro rata
Administration Assistant Grade 5    £25,584 - £27,711 pro rata Temporary – required from 1st October 2025 until 31 December 2025 37 hours per week, Te Consett
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Support Assistant

Durham County Council
£24,027 pro rata
Support Assistant Grade 1 £24,027 pro rata Temporary – required from 1st October 2025 until 31st October 2026 Part Time, 32.5 hours Mon - Fri 9am -4pm Consett
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Lecturer in Foundation Learning -Maths, English and Digital

Durham County Council
Grade 9 £34,314 - £37,938 pro rata for part-time term time working PAY AWARD PENDING
The DurhamLearn Foundation Learning programme area delivers Digital Skills, English and Maths Functional Skills.   An opportunity has arisen for a Lec Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner