Judge Quashes Spurs Training Centre Plans at Whitewebbs Park
High Court decision follows judicial review initiated by local campaign group.
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Reporting is corroborated by statements from the council leader, Spurs, and the campaign group, with a court verdict cited.
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The article clearly separates facts from comment, quotes all involved parties, and explains the background and next steps.
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Planning permission for Tottenham Hotspur's new training centre at Whitewebbs Park has been quashed by a judge. The High Court ruling followed a judicial review brought by the Guardians of Whitewebbs campaign group. The decision means the club can no longer proceed with the development on the site.
Council Withdraws Defence
The judicial review was initiated after the previous Labour administration at Enfield Council granted permission for the women's and girls' training centre. However, following a change in council leadership in May, the new Conservative administration withdrew its defence of the original planning permission. Alessandro Georgiou stated that the new leadership was pledged to protect Whitewebbs Park and that defending the judicial review would not have been in the best interests of residents.
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The Guardians of Whitewebbs argued that the initial decision to grant planning permission last year was unlawful. Their case, which was also supported by Dame Judi Dench, succeeded on the grounds that the council had breached transparency provisions and misled the planning committee regarding the ecological impact of the development on local biodiversity. The High Court judge found that these issues resulted in material prejudice.
“We are delighted with this outcome. We would like to thank our incredible community who generously funded this case.”
Benny Hawksbee, chair of Guardians of Whitewebbs
Club's Reaction and Future Plans
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Tottenham Hotspur expressed disappointment with the judgment, stating that the court's decision related to the legal process followed by Enfield Council, rather than the planning merits of the proposed development. The club believes the proposals would have offered significant benefits to Enfield, including safeguarding green space, improving access to nature, restoring heritage assets, and creating new facilities for local residents and sports programmes. The club remains committed to Enfield and is considering its next steps.
Enfield Council indicated its intention to work with Tottenham Hotspur to identify an alternative site within the borough for the training academy. The Guardians of Whitewebbs hope that any future plans will involve full consultation with the local community and will not impact public or green spaces.
Barnet Press News Desk
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