Wimbledon has launched a legal challenge to confirm the legitimacy of its expansion ambitions. The All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC), which received approval from the Greater London Authority in September to construct 39 additional courts, including a new 8,000-seater stadium on previous golf course land, are set to triple Wimbledon’s capacity.
Despite obtaining planning permission, their plans have incited substantial controversy among locals. At the crux of the issue is whether there exists a statutory trust for recreational purposes on the plot, which could potentially impede development.
Firm in their stance, the AELTC insists no such trust exists and is taking proactive measures, with a spokesperson stating: “Our position, and that adopted by Merton Council on advice, was and remains that there is not, nor has there ever been, a statutory trust affecting the former Wimbledon Park Golf Course land.
“In the circumstances we recognise that the correct thing to do, at this stage, is to put the matter before the court to establish that there is no trust over the land.
“Today we have issued a letter before action in order to begin this court process. We believe that having this matter resolved is an important step that will deliver reassurance to us and to the local community.
“This marks the next phase of our long-term project that will maintain our position at the pinnacle of tennis and to deliver year-round benefits for local people with 27 acres of newly accessible parkland for everyone to enjoy.”
However, it remains unclear how long it will take to resolve the issue, and there is also the potential for a judicial review on the project.
Content Source: www.express.co.uk