Wimbledon expansion: Controversial plans for 39 new courts approved by Greater London Authority

Wimbledon’s controversial plans to build 39 new tennis courts on protected open land opposite the All England Club has been approved by planning officials.

The All England Club wants to build the courts, including an 8,000-seat stadium, on Wimbledon Park.

Jules Pipe, the Deputy Mayor of London, decided that “significant” community and economic benefits of the scheme outweigh the harm.

Local residents and politicians fighting the proposal are now running out of options, but could still apply for a judicial review.

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has the power to hold a fresh planning hearing, but has made clear in a letter seen by BBC Sport that the application “should be determined at a local level”.

The development will allow Wimbledon qualifying to take place on site, in line with the other three Grand Slams.

According to All England Club chair Deborah Jevans, it would prevent the Championships “falling behind the other Grand Slams”.

There has been strong local opposition from groups such as Save Wimbledon Park, which fears the area will become a “huge industrial tennis complex”.

Boos were heard from members of these groups when Pipe’s decision was announced at London’s City Hall on Friday.

Wimbledon qualifying is currently held around three and a half miles away at Roehampton’s Community Sports Centre.