Wimbledon gets go-head for controversial expansion

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Wimbledon’s controversial expansion plans, which include an 8,000-seat show court, have been given the green light.

The decision taken by Jules Pipe, London’s deputy mayor for planning, means the All England Club’s proposal to build 38 new courts, along with the show court, on the adjacent former Wimbledon Park Golf Club and nearly triple the size of its current site looks set to go ahead.

The decision had been expected after Greater London Authority planning officers recommended permission be granted, and Pipe cited the sporting, financial and community benefits to both the tournament and city.

“In summary, the proposed development would facilitate very significant benefits,” he said. “I agree with my officers that these benefits clearly outweigh the harm.”

Central to Wimbledon’s case has been the desire to hold its qualifying competition, which is currently staged at nearby Roehampton, on its own land.

All England club chair Debbie Jevans said: “Our proposals will deliver 27 acres of newly accessible parkland for the community and enable us to bring the qualifying competition for The Championships onsite, with all of the substantial economic and employment opportunities this presents.”

Another boost for the All England Club came with the news that Angela Rayner, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, has decided not to call in the application, leaving legal challenges as the only avenue open to protesters hoping to stop the development.

Protesters assembled outside City Hall ahead of the hearing and a number spoke in the chamber during a morning session lasting more than three hours.

Opponents believe the harm that would be caused to open land is not justified, while the All England Club argue they need to expand to keep up with the other grand slams, who have all invested heavily in improving their sites in recent years.

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