WIMBLEDON EXPANSION BATTLE INTO A TIE-BREAK

200M PLAN TO BE REFERRED TO LONDON MAYOR’S OFFICE AFTER WANDSWORTH COUNCIL VOTE NO’

- Matt Majendie

WIMBLEDON'S ambitious expansion plans for 39 new courts, including an 8,000-seater showcourt, have suffered a blow after being unanimously rejected by Wandsworth Council.

The £200million overhaul by the All England Club was previously approved by Merton Council, but their Wandsworth counterparts rejected the plans by seven votes to nil at a planning committee meeting last night.

The boundaries cover both councils and, although the majority of the plot lies in Merton Council territory, the plans need the approval of both councils. The Wandsworth rejection means the project will now be referred to Mayor of London Sadiq Khan and the Greater London Authority. It could then be sent to Government level.