The Times, 23 February 2023. Stuart Fraser, Tennis Correspondent.
"The largest expansion in Wimbledon history faces further delays into the 2030s after it emerged that the planning application will not be heard until April at the earliest.
Four years after purchasing the adjacent Wimbledon Park Golf Club for £65 million, the All England Club are still navigating the process of receiving permission from both Merton and Wandsworth councils. More than 1,000 objections have been submitted, while an online petition to “save Wimbledon Park” has reached 8,600 signatures.
The All England Club’s initial timeframe had optimistically stated a wish for permission to be granted by the end of 2021, with qualifying held across the 38 new grass courts from 2028. However, the complex nature of the application, coupled with the fierce local resistance, has resulted in the hearings being pushed back until the end of April.
It is possible that a decision would then have to be considered by the Mayor of London’s office and the planning inspectorate at national level. It is now acknowledged within the All England Club that completion is not likely to come before 2030."...read more
