The club are expected to submit a planning application for a "worldleading" women's football academy with all-weather pitches, floodlights and a "turf academy" on a section of Whitewebbs Park, just a few miles from their stadium in north London.
But the proposals - on parkland that is rich in wildlife and mature trees - are opposed by many people who do not want to see a swath of public green space developed and enclosed by a 2-metre-high fence.
The 97-hectare (240-acre) Whitewebbs Park lies between two ancient woodlands and is home to 80 species of bird and at least nine species of bat, as well as great crested newts and badgers. It is also believed to be the best site in north London for butterflies, with 29 species including the rare brown hairstreak, purple emperor and white-letter hairstreak.
Enfield council now faces a high court challenge over its decision to hand Spurs a 25-year lease. Spurs will pay just £2m for 53 hectares of the park which they will develop and manage. Thirty-five of those hectares would remain publicly accessible, but 18 hectares would house the new women's and girls' academy and the sports turf academy.
This story is from the January 10, 2024 edition of The Guardian.
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This story is from the January 10, 2024 edition of The Guardian.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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