Playing field under threat as development rejected (From Wimbledon Guardian)

Playing field under threat as development rejected

7:30am Monday 26th March 2012 in Your Say By Lauren May, Chief Reporter

The All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) could sell parts of a 21 acre playing field after its plans for a housing development on the site were rejected.

Merton councillors rejected the AELTC application at a meeting on March 15, despite advice to recommend the development from council officers.

The plans would have seen 53 homes built on Raynes Park Playing field and a new all-weather floodlit playing pitch.

Residents had opposed the plans which they said would lead to a loss of green space which is used for cricket, football, athletics and tennis by a local school.

But the AELTC, organisers of the Wimbledon Championships, said its plans were designed to safeguard the future of the 21-acre field three a half miles from the tournament ground.