Merton Council - Stop Hiding Behind AELTC!
5 November 2026
Five years after the AELTC (the All England Lawn Tennis Club) announced their over-ambitious plans to develop Wimbledon Park, Merton Council are still refusing to say what they will do about the covenants that protect the land.
On November 18th at a full council meeting, Merton Council will be asked this question by a local resident:
"In light of the acknowledgement by AELTC that their proposed development would breach the restrictive covenants that Merton imposed in 1993 and thus break the law, will the Council now reconsider its refusal to discuss an alternative plan for the site which could be covenant compliant and meet concerns of local residents?"
Will Merton again shirk the question and refuse to answer?
To do so would be a disgraceful betrayal and profoundly undemocratic. Such covert and craven support of a private enterprise should not be allowed.
The background:
In March 1993 Merton Council sold AELTC the former Wimbledon Park Golf Club for £5.2m.
The public outcry about loss of open space and environment resulted in restrictive covenants and other protective measures imposed on the land.
Merton Council Leader Tony Colman said at the time of the sale "respecting the wishes of local people, this council is resolute that the land will be retained as open space. All England has bought the land knowing this is our policy and is aware that we would not allow development of the site."
AELTC have admitted in court that their plans would breach the covenants and thereby break the law.
For many local residents the building of a stadium bigger than the Royal Albert Hall is the most contentious part of AELTC's plans, with neither Merton nor AELTC confirming what it will be used for throughout the year - against Merton's own planning rules.
Save Wimbledon Park (SWP) pointed out to Merton Council that an alternative plan had been developed that could be covenant compliant: Merton Council showed no interest in engaging in any form of discussion to explore the possibilities.
Wimbledon Park lies in both Merton and Wandsworth boroughs: Wandsworth Council were extremely supportive of the alternative plan: why do Merton not even wish to see it?
Local residents deserve better. They deserve politicians who don't renege on promises. They deserve democracy.
SWP calls on Merton Council to
Agree to enforce the covenants or explain how they intend to break the law
Review thee alternative plans for the former golf course that met with the support of Wandsworth Council
Consider whether these alternative plans meet the needs of local residents more effectively than AELTC's proposals
If you wish to follow the proceedings you can attend the meeting in person or online, it starts at 19:45 on November 18th
In person
Council Chamber
Merton Civic Centre
London Road
Morden SM4 5DX
Online
Click on "view meeting here" on the Meeting Agenda which will be here
