Save Wimbledon Park GLA decision
Save Wimbledon Park GLA decision
The long awaited decision over the planned expansion by the AELTC in Wimbledon Park has been made
The Greater London Authority has decided to grant planning permission for the AELTC’s proposed development. But the restrictive covenants on the land could still put a stop to them.
The case was heard this morning at City Hall.
One of the main issues being contested is the covenant that the AELTC signed in 1993 when it bought Wimbledon Park land, stating that it would only be used for recreational purposes or as an open space.
Here’s what Merton Council said today after the decision was announced:
“Just like the previous decision made by Merton Council to resolve to grant planning permission, acting in its capacity as a planning authority, the GLA has made a planning judgement based on planning policies.
“When the Council sold the land to AELTC in 1993, it imposed restrictive covenants to preserve the openness of the land. The covenants are intended to provide an added layer of protection for that openness over and above the protection afforded by the planning system.
“The planning system and property covenants are two separate things. And the granting of planning permission does not override the covenants nor make them unenforceable.
“It is only if and when a development has been granted planning permission that the covenants can perform their intended role. The proposed development does not protect the openness of the land so it would breach the covenants.
“When deciding whether to enforce the covenants, the Council is not acting as a planning authority and is not bound by any planning decision. Instead, the Council is free to decide whether it believes that sacrificing the openness of the land, and thereby defeating the purpose of the covenants, would be in the long-term interests of the locality.
“In the context of the current proposals, the Council has repeatedly stated that it intends that the covenants be respected.
“Whilst we recognise that AELTC’s plans have generated a lot of public interest, the Council is unable to say any more at this stage.”
On Friday morning several representatives from the group Save Wimbledon Park went to City Hall for the planning hearing. Merton Friends of the Earth joined a Save Wimbledon Park demonstration beforehand.
Jonathan Moorish from Save Wimbledon Park explains that until the covenant is lifted then there are major complications and legal issues surrounding the planning application.
“It doesn’t matter what City Hall decides, it won’t override the legalities. This is gold-plated protected land and it has the highest form of protection there is,” he explains.
This could now be escalated to the government.
“This could go on a long time,” says Jonathan. “… but we are not giving up.”
Deborah Jevans, Chair of the All England Club, commented: “We are delighted that the Greater London Authority has resolved to approve our applications to transform the former Wimbledon Park Golf Course.
“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.
“Every stage of this project will be delivered with a meticulous attention to detail and the utmost respect for both our neighbours and the environment.
“We look forward to working with all parties to bring this vision to life, delivering one of London’s greatest sporting transformations since the 2012 Games, and securing Wimbledon’s future at the pinnacle of world sport.”
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