Plans to significantly expand the Wimbledon tennis venue, nearly tripling its current footprint, are set to move forward after a High Court judge dismissed a legal challenge from a campaign group contesting the planning permission decision.

The proposal, which received the green light from the Greater London Authority (GLA), includes the addition of thirty-eight new tennis courts and an 8,000-seat stadium.

Save Wimbledon Park (SWP) contended in court that the development on the former Wimbledon Park Golf Club site in west London was unlawful due to protections on the land in question.

Deborah Jevans, chair of the All England Club, expressed her “delight” at the ruling, while SWP suggested it might pursue an appeal against the judgment.

Earlier this month, SWP’s legal team argued to the High Court that the approval of the plans was “irrational” and should be annulled, asserting that Wimbledon Park—a Grade II*-listed site partly designed by Lancelot “Capability” Brown—was subject to restrictions regarding its use.

Both the GLA and the All England Club defended the ruling, with the court informed that the decision constituted a “planning judgment properly exercised” and that the cited restrictions were not “material”.

In dismissing the challenge, Mr. Justice Saini commented: “In summary, the defendant’s ruling concerning the validity of deliverability with respect to both the statutory trust and the restrictive covenants was a planning judgment made rationally, considering relevant factors.”

The development plans include the construction of seven maintenance buildings, access points, and a designated park area with public access, along with the new courts and supporting infrastructure.

Additionally, the project would enable the club to host Wimbledon qualifiers on-site.

In light of the ruling on Monday, SWP indicated it has been “advised to” consider appealing the decision, claiming that the GLA had “committed a significant legal error” in handling the park’s special legal status.

The development will also involve improvements to Wimbledon Lake, including the construction of a boardwalk encircling it.

After Merton Council approved the plans but Wandsworth Council rejected them, City Hall took over the application process.

Sir Sadiq Khan recused himself from the proceedings after having previously shown public support for the development, with planning permission ultimately granted by Jules Pipe, London’s deputy mayor for planning.

Pipe noted that the proposals “would bring about very significant benefits” that “clearly outweigh the drawbacks.”

At that time, Ms. Jevans remarked that the plans would provide the community with 27 acres (11 hectares) of “newly accessible parkland.”

In submissions to the court, Sasha White KC revealed that the All England Club purchased the freehold of the golf course in 1993 and the leasehold in 2021.

The barrister elaborated during the two-day hearing that the land is bound by a “statutory trust” stipulating its continuous availability for public recreational use and that the club had entered into “restrictive covenants” regarding its utilization when acquiring the freehold.

He emphasized that any plans must not hinder public appreciation of the golf course’s openness and extent.

He also mentioned that separate High Court proceedings were pending to determine the existence of the statutory trust, and if proven, the All England Club has “acknowledged” its incompatibility with the development proposal.

A hearing regarding this matter is scheduled for January 2026.

In court, he stated: “There could not be a more safeguarded piece of land within the planning framework.”

Mark Westmoreland Smith KC, representing the GLA, asserted in written arguments that Mr. Pipe acted upon “detailed advice” concerning the “relevance” of the “alleged” trust and covenants and made his decision under the assumption of their existence.

The barrister characterized the decision as a “planning judgment appropriately exercised, taking into account relevant factors.”

He added that planning officers informed him that the purported restrictions were not considered a substantial obstacle.

Russell Harris KC, representing the All England Club, indicated that planning officials “recognized and considered” the trust and covenants.

In his 31-page ruling, Mr. Justice Saini concluded that the authority had effectively assessed the development’s impact on public open space.

Following the ruling, Christopher Coombe, director of SWP, remarked: “This ruling, if upheld, would set a concerning precedent for undesirable developments on protected green belts and public spaces throughout London and the nation.”

Sir Sadiq welcomed the decision, stating it would “solidify Wimbledon’s status as the premier tennis competition in the world.”

Ms. Jevans stated: “We have a solid planning permission that allows us to establish a permanent location for the Wimbledon qualifying competition while creating 27 acres of attractive new parkland for local residents, granting public access to land that has been a private golf course for over a century.”