Campaign group Save Wimbledon Park has taken another step in its bid to block Wimbledon’s expansion plans.
Last month a judicial review upheld the decision of the Greater London Authority to award planning permission to the All England Club to build 39 new grass courts, including an 8,000-seat stadium, on the site of the former Wimbledon Park Golf Club.
But SWP, which has been fighting the plans since they were submitted back in 2021, has now announced it has applied for permission to appeal to the Court of Appeal.
300 mature trees. 500+ saplings. Gone.
— Save Wimbledon Park (@SaveWimbldnPark) August 8, 2025
This isn’t landscaping — it’s deforestation for sport.
A canopy lost for 50 years, even if new trees survive.
Nature doesn’t grow back overnight. 🌳 #Deforestation #EnvironmentalImpact @CPRELondon pic.twitter.com/xIvgVuY6lR
The statement read: “SWP’s decision to make this application has not been taken lightly. However, it has been advised that there is a realistic prospect of success.”
SWP argues the scale and nature of the development is in breach of local, regional and national planning policies and would set a precedent for other green spaces in London and around the country.
A decision on whether it can appeal is expected in two to four months, with a hearing likely to be next year if it is successful.
A Wimbledon spokesperson told the PA news agency: “Following the High Court’s dismissal on all counts of the recent Judicial Review, it is clear that we have a robust planning permission that will enable us to deliver one of the greatest sporting transformations since the 2012 (Olympic) Games.
“Our plans will create a permanent home for the Wimbledon qualifying competition but crucially they also deliver 27 acres of beautiful new parkland for local people to enjoy, providing the public access to green space that has been used as a private members golf club for more than 100 years.
“We have spoken to more than 10,000 people who have taken the time to come in person and understand our plans in detail. The vast majority of people just want us to get on and deliver the many benefits on offer as soon as possible.”
