There has been ongoing debate regarding the development of tennis courts on Grade II* listed parkland in Wimbledon.
The AELTC (All England Lawn Tennis Club) originally bought the land from the council in 1993 and in doing so agreed to legal covenants "preventing the use of the land otherwise than for leisure or recreation purposes or as an open space". In their effort to increase capacity and accommodate a higher number of matches on site, the AELTC is looking to create more playing courts and seating capacity.
The submitted plans to build 38 new grass courts, including 9.4km of paths and roads, on 67 hectares between Wimbledon and Wandsworth were met with opposition both from those on the council and from local residents, as well as heritage and environmental groups. Over 1,200 people have submitted formal objections via the council's website. Fears over the environmental impact, the reduction of already scarce green spaces and altering land designed by Capability Brown for the first Earl Spencer in 1768. Conservative MP for Wimbledon, Steven Hammond was quoted in The Guardian, "The AELTC’s application has caused widespread concern among the community in Wimbledon." The AELTC's plans would also see the opening of a park with public access during much of the year, on land that is now only used by members of the Royal Wimbledon Golf Club.
When asked, long time Wimbledon resident Lara Kerr said, "It's a tough situation. On one hand tennis is such an intrinsic part of Wimbledon's cultural identity and is a big industry. Golf is something that not many people take up or play regularly, but requires a lot of space. On the other hand that area of Wimbledon is special to many people, and I'm not sure they would like to see it changed."
