Wimbledon's expansion plans boosted when judge dismisses legal challenge
The Save Wimbledon Park group took legal action against the Greater London Authority's decision to grant planning permission last year.
Aside from concerns about the environment and overall scale, opponents argued that the adjacent property that was a golf course when the All England Club bought it in 2018 is subject to restrictions that favor preservation of open spaces for the public.
Wimbledon's plan includes adding an 8,000-seat stadium with a retractable roof and 38 other grass courts that would allow the All England Club to move its qualifying event on-site to boost attendance and revenue.
'In short, the defendant's decision on the relevance of deliverability, applying to both the statutory trust and the restrictive covenants, was a planning judgment rationally exercised and having regard to appropriate and relevant factors,' judge Justice Saini said.
Wimbledon is the only Grand Slam tournament that holds its qualifying rounds at a completely separate location. There are also too few practice courts in the current setup, requiring some of the world's best players to share courts.
'We are delighted that Mr. Justice Saini has dismissed the challenge to the GLA's decision to grant planning permission for our plans to transform the former Wimbledon Park golf course,' said Deborah Jevans, chair of the All England Club.
'It is clear that we have a robust planning permission that enables us to create a permanent home for the Wimbledon qualifying competition as well as delivering 27 acres of beautiful new park land for local people, providing public access to land that has been a private golf course for over 100 years,' Jevans added.
The next hurdle in the process is a hearing in January over whether there is a statutory trust over the former golf course land.
___
AP tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
19 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Charley Hull dazzles despite her tee shot nearly hitting Minjee Lee at Women's British Open
With seven birdies in her first 13 holes, Charley Hull lit up crowds early Saturday during the third round of the 2025 AIG Women's British Open at Royal Porthcawl in Wales. The round started off with a bit of an "oops" moment, however, when Hull hit a wayward tee shot off the fourth tee that almost hit Minjee Lee as Lee prepared to tee off the 17th. "Nearly took Minjee out," said Dame Laura Davies from the booth. Hull went on to par the hole and then rattled off three consecutive birdies. "When I hit it, I shouted fore right, but I said hope it's on the tee box and it was so, it was all right," said Hull. "I like Minjee. I wouldn't want to take her out." Hull posted a 6-under 66 with 23 putts to jump up the board. As of 1:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, Hull was three back and in a share of fourth with Megan Khang and Minami Katsu, who shot 65. "I like hunting someone down," said Hull, who entered the tournament with question marks due to her health. Hull left the last major championship on a stretcher after coming down with a virus and then recently tweaked her back getting a box out of her car. She lost weight and swing speed during recovery and probably didn't have huge expectations for the week, especially given her dislike of links golf. And yet, there she is, solidly in position to make a run on Sunday. It's been quite a run for English players of late, with Georgia Hall sitting in a share of eighth at 4 under after a 68 and Mimi Rhodes T-10 at 3 under alongside compatriot Lottie Woad, who shot 71 on Saturday. "It being so close to home, yeah, I've had so much family out here supporting and cheering for me," said Rhodes. "Honestly, it's just been better than a dream come true." Keep tabs on all the action from Saturday's third round at the AIG Women's Open with our live updates page. This article originally appeared on Golfweek: Women's British Open 2025: Charley Hull tee shot nearly hits Minjee Lee
New York Times
21 minutes ago
- New York Times
Daniel Farke ‘concerned' over Jayden Bogle hip injury as defender among four injured Leeds players
Four injuries hampered Daniel Farke's Leeds United selection for the 1-1 draw with Villarreal at Elland Road on Saturday and the German coach said he is concerned by Jayden Bogle in particular. Bogle, 25, has been struggling with a hip flexor injury was left out of the squad for the visit of the La Liga side. Farke said he is concerned as to whether the defender will recover for next weekend's AC Milan friendly, taking place at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Advertisement '(He had) problems with his hip flexor,' said Farke. 'That's a bit of a concern, if I'm honest, because I'm not sure if I will have him available for our final test. 'I hope to have him at least available then during the last week of preparation (before Everton) because he's an important player for us. We all know we need, in the offence, additions, but also see in the full-back positions, if there is an injury of a player like Jayden, we are also a bit thin.' Wingers Daniel James and Jack Harrison were also absent from the Villarreal draw. The former seems more likely to be available in Dublin next weekend, but the latter is awaiting the results of a scan on a groin injury. 'Daniel James had light problems during this week,' Farke said. 'I didn't want to risk anything, but I expect him also to be available for our last test against AC Milan. 'Jack had every training session and also all the games until after the training camp. Right now, he's struggling with a few adductor problems. He had a scan and now we wait for the outcome. He will also see a consultant on Monday. We hope it's just a question of a few days he will miss. 'I hope to also have him available for the Milan game, but we have to wait for the outcome.' Lucas Perri, who signed for the best part of £14million ($18.6m; €16m) from Lyon last month, was among the new faces supporters wanted to see in Saturday's game. However, the goalkeeper was not ready for his debut. The Brazilian stopper has had a disrupted start to life at Leeds, but is now back in training and could feature next weekend. 'He came with a light injury, so he was not involved in team training,' Farke said. 'So far, he had a few days of rehab and also building physical fitness because the last days were also a bit difficult for him. 'It's always busy with signings and travelling and whatever. Since yesterday, he's also back in specific goalkeeper training with our goalkeeper coach. 'Tomorrow, or later next week, he will join us in team training. Lucas, we believe in him, in his quality. He needs a bit of time on the training pitch to step up.' Leeds begin their Premier League season with a home match against Everton on August 18.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Everton keen to bring former Gunner back to Premier League
Everton are reportedly showing interest in signing Ainsley Maitland‑Niles, two years after he left Arsenal following almost two decades at the club. Maitland‑Niles, now 27, is under contract at Lyon until 2027 and produced eight goal contributions from right‑back in 43 appearances last season. Photo byHis adaptability, having operated at full‑back, wing‑back and in midfield, is seen as an asset by Everton manager David Moyes, who is trying to reshape his squad this summer. Sky Sports report that Maitland‑Niles 'would be open to a Premier League return' but has also attracted interest from European clubs, including Galatasaray. Maitland‑Niles joined Arsenal at the age of six and became the club's second‑youngest European debutant when appearing in the Champions League at 17. Photo byHe went on to make 132 senior appearances, winning three FA Cups, before leaving on a free transfer in 2023 after loan spells with West Bromwich Albion, Southampton, and Roma, where he won the UEFA Conference League in 2021. His move to Lyon provided regular football and a revival of form that had been missing during his final years in north London. French media have praised his consistent performances and tactical discipline, particularly when deployed as an overlapping right‑back, while his form prompted talk of a potential England recall in some quarters. He currently has five caps for his country.
