High Court to hear claim against planning permission for Tottenham Hotspur training ground

Enfield's planning committee resolved to grant permission to build the facility - which will include 11 football training pitches - in February 2025. Final planning permission was granted in July.

The development would convert a disused golf course in Whitewebbs Park, Enfield, to training grounds for the Premier League football club.

Tottenham Hotspurs FC has said the proposed facilities will provide a “once in a generation opportunity to create a regionally significant asset for Enfield” and that around 80% of the site will remain publicly accessible.

However, the residents' group, 'Guardians of Whitewebbs Park', claims the council’s decision was flawed.

It has also previously voiced serious concerns about the impact on wildlife in the park and raised fears that the scheme would block views across the park while also limiting access to public spaces.

The High Court has since agreed to hear the claim on the following grounds:

1. Enfield Council breached the Local Government Act 1972 in relation to the transparency of planning committee meetings and misled the planning committee on the issue of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG).
2. The officer’s report misinterpreted and/or misapplied DMD Policy 84 on new development within Areas of Special Character.
3. The council misinterpreted and/or misapplied DMD Policy 44 on conserving and enhancing heritage assets.
4. The council erred in its consideration of impacts on the openness of the Green Belt.

A spokesperson for the campaign group said: "Whilst the Judge has rejected one of the grounds - relating to bias and predetermination - we have submitted new evidence to Court to support a renewal of this ground.

"Another ground related to the environmental impact of the significant earthworks that will need to be undertaken for this development has also been rejected. Unfortunately, there is little chance of success should we seek to renew this ground."

An Enfield Council spokesperson said: “Enfield Council is confident that proper legal processes and procedures have been followed in the determination of the planning application. We will vigorously defend the judicial review.

"The proposed development of part of Whitewebbs Park is set to bring significant benefits to the local community including the protection and enhancement of the park and woods, further investment in a new on-site café, toilets and other facilities as well as preserving open public access to more than 80% of the park for all residents."

A hearing date is yet to be confirmed, however, it is thought that the court will hear the claim in June.

The litigation follows a failed litigation launched in 2024 that challenged the council's decision to agree a 25-year lease for the grounds with the football club.

Adam Carey