Tennis: Controversial Wimbledon expansion receives approval

The controversial expansion of the tennis facility at Wimbledon Park in London can go ahead as planned.

The All England Club’s plans, as host of the Grand Slam tournament, to build 39 new tennis courts on protected land were given light on Green Friday. This would quickly triple the current area. Among other things, a new court with 8,000 seats is planned.

Protests against expansion

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London’s deputy mayor Jules Pipe approved the project after the Greater London Authority (GLA), which is responsible for planning, had previously made a recommendation for the project.

The benefits for the Wimbledon tournament and the surrounding area outweigh them, said Pipe, justifying the decision. Opponents of the project fear damage to the environment.

According to a report in the Guardian, it is not yet certain whether the expansion will actually be carried out after approval. Opponents of the project, including many residents, can demand a judicial review and possibly submit the plans to the Supreme Court.

There were protests against the expansion in Wimbledon around the tournament in the summer.

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