Spurs plans for Whitewebbs Park in tatters after judge quashes planning permission

The judicial review verdict comes after a change of leadership at Enfield Council, which now opposes the Spurs plans for a training centre on the park, reports James Cracknell

Whitewebbs Park with (inset left) council leader Alessandro Georgiou and (inset right) the campaign to save it

Tottenham Hotspur’s plans to build on Whitwebbs Park have likely been dealt a fatal blow after a judge quashed the planning permission previously granted by Enfield Council.

Following a two-day judicial review in June which the council decided not to defend after the Conservatives took power in May, the judge has issued a ruling in which he quashes the decision under the previous Labour administration to approve the plans for a women’s and girls’ training centre on the park.

The case had been brought by the Guardians of Whitewebbs local campaign group, which argued at the High Court that the decision to award planning permission to Spurs last year had been unlawful. Their case was also backed by Dame Judi Dench.

In a statement this morning (Monday 27th), Alessandro Georgiou said: “This new administration pledged to protect Whitewebbs Park from unacceptable development and ensure it remains accessible for local residents and communities to enjoy. That is why we withdrew from defending this Judicial Review, as such a defence would not have been in the best interests of residents across the borough.

“We are delighted that the High Court has allowed this judicial review and quashed the planning permission granted for the proposed training academy at Whitewebbs Park.

“We said we would protect Whitewebbs Park from this unacceptable proposal and we will now move forward with plans that reflect the needs of the local community and also preserve and protect this important area of Enfield.”

The Dispatch understands that the council now intends to work closely with Tottenham Hotspur to find an alternative site in the borough for the women’s and girls’ training academy.

In a statement, Tottenham Hotspur said: “We are disappointed by today’s High Court judgment concerning the planning permission for our proposed Women’s and Girls’ Training Centre at Whitewebbs.

“The court’s decision concerns the legal process followed by Enfield Council in granting planning permission, rather than the planning merits of the proposed development itself.

“We continue to believe the proposals would deliver significant benefits for Enfield by safeguarding Whitewebbs as a green space, improving access to nature, restoring important heritage assets, creating new facilities for local residents, community groups and sports clubs whilst delivering a lasting legacy for women’s and girls’ sport.

“The development would create a world-leading Women’s and Girls’ Training Centre, helping to establish Enfield as a leading destination for the women’s and girls’ game. Alongside elite facilities, it would create new opportunities for girls across the borough to play and develop through expanded coaching, education and community programmes, while providing a visible pathway from grassroots football to the very highest levels of the game.

“We remain committed to Enfield and to continuing the work we have undertaken in the borough for many years through investment in sport, education and community programmes. We will now consider the judgement carefully and determine our next steps.”

This is a breaking news story – further updates and reaction will be added as it arrives

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