The Wimbledon Community Forum met on Wednesday 9 October 2024, discussing the AELTC planning application for Wimbledon Park, the Warm and Well project, and local policing updates. The forum unanimously voted to send a motion to the council urging them to involve the community in negotiating community benefits for the Wimbledon Park development, acknowledge the 1993 covenant on the land for the benefit of the local community, and enforce this covenant.

Wimbledon Park Update

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the AELTC planning application for the former Wimbledon Park golf course. Leonie Cooper, Assembly Member for Merton and Wandsworth, expressed her strong dissatisfaction with the Deputy Mayor's decision to approve the application, stating, this is not the right scheme in the right place. She highlighted concerns about the substantial harm to Metropolitan Open Land, arguing that the purported benefits were unrealistic and insufficient. Cooper also noted the significant impact of the proposed eight-year works, including a large volume of truck movements. The application will not be called in by the Secretary of State, meaning any further action would require alternative legal steps.

Christopher Coombe from the Wimbledon Society and Susan Cusack from the Save Wimbledon Park group also provided an update, expressing disappointment at the absence of Merton Cabinet representatives or senior officers. They detailed the environmental impact concerns, including flood risk, and questioned the validity of the development's claimed benefits.

Three potential remedies were outlined: a Judicial Review of the planning decision, which would be costly; enforcement of the 1993 covenant on the land, which Merton Council has reminded AELTC about; and public enforcement of the covenant if Merton Council fails to act, as the council holds the benefit of the covenant on public trust. Leonie Cooper confirmed she had written to the Leader of Merton Council regarding potential legal action but understood no such plans were in place.

A resident questioned the quality of evidence presented at the hearing regarding the benefits of the development, and Christopher Coombe stated the group would be scrutinising the hearing's report and record. Concerns were also raised about AELTC's financial calculations and the potential value of the land if it can be developed.

The forum unanimously voted in favour of sending a motion to the council, urging them to:

• Involve the Wimbledon community in the negotiation of community benefits within the Section 106 agreement.
• Acknowledge that Merton Council holds the benefit of the 1993 covenant on trust for the local community.
• Enforce the 1993 covenants for the benefit of the community.

Christopher Coombe mentioned that the group is seeking pro bono advice from barristers due to the complexity of the case, which involves planning law, covenants, and public trust. He also noted that while no cash donations have been sought yet, this may become necessary in the future. A resident inquired about the potential cost of a Judicial Review, with Coombe referencing the significant expense of the Day v Shropshire case.

Additionally, a resident raised concerns about changes to tennis coaching in Wimbledon Park, with independent coaches reportedly needing to finish by April 2025 to allow for a single provider, Emma Wells Tennis, to use all courts across 12 sites in Merton. Councillor Jil Hall stated she is raising this issue with the Council.

Warm and Well Project

Jonathan Green from the Wimbledon Guild introduced the Warm and Well project. The Guild offers a range of services for individuals aged 18 and over, with offices in Wimbledon and Morden. The Warm and Well project specifically focuses on energy efficiency and providing support during the cost-of-living crisis. Services include free home energy assessments, assistance with debts and arrears, advice on avoiding scams, and the possibility of fuel vouchers. Green encouraged attendees to share information about the project with their networks. He also thanked donors, the London Borough of Merton, and the Guild's over 200 volunteers. A resident inquired about the closure of the Guild's charitable shop in Mitcham, which Green offered to investigate.

London Assembly Update

Leonie Cooper, Assembly Member for Merton and Wandsworth, provided an update on the work of the London Assembly. She highlighted recent reports on Grenfell and major developments. Cooper detailed her involvement in the AELTC planning application, which was considered by the Deputy Mayor, Jules Pipe. She expressed her disappointment with the outcome, reiterating her view that the scheme would cause substantial harm to Metropolitan Open Land, which she felt was not outweighed by the proposed benefits. Cooper also mentioned that the Police committee had discussed public order policing. A resident questioned the prioritisation of the tennis tournament over the local environment, a point Cooper agreed with, noting her long-standing campaign for biodiversity and environmental considerations. She also mentioned voting against the Springfield planning application due to its environmental impact, including on Metropolitan Open Land, although it was approved subject to a Section 106 agreement.

Hillside Safer Neighbourhood Panel

Melanie from the Hillside Safer Neighbourhood Panel provided an update on the panel's work. She explained that these panels act as a link between residents and the Safer Neighbourhood Policing teams, with the Metropolitan Police keen to improve public communication. Residents in Hillside have identified local priorities for the team, and Melanie encouraged others to join their local panel or share their views.

Open Forum

Peter Walker raised the issue of roads named after individuals involved in the slave trade. He noted that an online consultation in 2023, which received over 800 responses with 88% in favour of some form of acknowledgement, had not yet resulted in action. Councillor Jil Hall suggested Peter Walker submit a public question for the November Council meeting. A resident from one of the affected roads mentioned that Liverpool had addressed this issue sensitively and that many residents would welcome the council's proposed approach to acknowledging the history of road names. Another resident commented that the majority of those in favour of contextualisation supported the use of QR codes on signs, which the Council is considering.

A resident also inquired about the redevelopment of St Georges House, following the departure of Lloyds Bank, and whether work might commence before planning permission expires in 2025. Councillor Hicks indicated that as some tenants are being moved out, work could potentially begin.

The next meeting of the Wimbledon Community Forum is scheduled for Wednesday 6 March 2025 at 7.15 pm at Wimbledon Guild, Guild House, 30/32 Worple Road, Wimbledon SW19 4EF.