Sport|TennisWimbledon tennis back in UK court with campaigners blocking expansion plansWimbledon plans to treble the size of the existing site in London, adding 39 courts, but campaigners seek to block move.

The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club (AELTC) is pursuing a significant expansion of its Wimbledon site, aiming to triple its size in a project valued at 200 million pounds ($267.9 million). This development plan includes the addition of 39 new courts.

The expansion involves redevelopment of a former golf course owned by AELTC. However, this initiative has faced opposition from the campaign group Save Wimbledon Park, which contends that the land is subject to a statutory trust requiring it to be reserved for public recreation.

The AELTC is seeking a legal ruling from London’s High Court to confirm that the land is not bound by such a trust, arguing that it has not historically been used for public recreation.

Previously, the Greater London Authority's approval of planning permission was contested by Save Wimbledon Park. The group argued that the planning authority did not adequately consider the restrictions on redeveloping the land. Although their challenge was initially rejected, they have been granted permission to appeal the decision.

Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.