Wimbledon expansion approved despite controversy over 39 tennis court plan

Wimbledon's plans to build 39 new tennis courts has been approved despite strong opposition from local residents and politicians to the plans with boos echoing from the chamber today.

The All England Lawn and Tennis Club (AELTC) wants to build the courts which include an 8,000 seat stadium on Wimbledon park. Jules Pipe who is the Deputy Mayor of London decided that the significant benefits to the economy and community outweigh the harm.

Local residents and politicians looking to fight the proposal are now running out of options. But they could yet fight for a judicial review to prolong it further. Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner has the power to hold a fresh planning hearing. But according to information provided to the BBC, she has made it clear that it should be fought at a local level and not by the government.

Deborah Jevans who is the chair of the AELTC said that the plans were needed so that the Championships don't fall behind other Grand Slams. There has been opposition from groups and residents with fears off the impact of such a move to turn the area into a 'huge industrial tennis complex'.

But currently qualifying for instance takes place three and a half miles away and it has long been fought by the AELTC before the plans were finally heard today. Up to 10,000 people a day would be able to watch qualifying as per new plans and up to 50,000 could enter the grounds during each day of the main tournament. It would also see player facilities upgraded.

A new show court would have a roof and would alleviate the issues seen this year with rain wreaking havoc on outside play in particular. While it is a while away, it is a big boost for their plans and aside from resolution from local residents, it seems to now be going ahead.