Campaigners have expressed their disappointment as decision paves way for 16 hectares of parkland to be enclosed by the Premier League club
The office of Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan has approved a controversial plan by Tottenham Hotspur to fence off part of Whitewebbs Park and build a women’s football academy – despite admitting it represents “inappropriate” development.
The scheme – already approved by Enfield Council’s planning committee in February – was automatically referred to City Hall for final approval because the park falls within the Metropolitan Green Belt.
Khan had been urged by Conservative councillors in Whitewebbs ward as well as several hundred local residents to use his mayoral powers to overturn the council planning committee’s decision, as they argued that a private company fencing off of a public park would set an unwanted precedent.
However, last night (Monday 14th) City Hall announced the decision to approve planning permission for the women’s and girls’ football academy. A mayoral spokesperson said: “On 14th July 2025 the deputy mayor for planning and regeneration, acting under delegated authority [of Khan], resolved to allow Enfield Council to determine the application for a women’s and girls’ football academy at Whitewebbs Park itself.
“In making his decision on the stage two referral, the deputy mayor took account of all representations received, in addition to the GLA [Greater London Authority] officers’ detailed assessment of the proposal and strategic planning issues.
“As part of the latter, consideration was given to the fact that while the proposal represents inappropriate development on the Green Belt, very special circumstances have been demonstrated and a package of public benefits secured which outweigh the harm.”
‘Save Whitewebbs’ campaigners held a protest outside City Hall last night just prior to the decision being announced.
Following the verdict, the Guardians of Whitewebbs group said in a statement: “We are sincerely disappointed that the mayor has not seen fit to refuse the development of our beloved local park. The development flies in the face of common sense, when it entails the loss of a huge section of much-needed public space and the destruction of biodiverse parkland.
“Our objections to the development were carefully set out and we believe that it will entail a staggering loss to Green Belt open land that ought to have been protected with site of importance for nature conservation status. The paltry public ‘offering’ constituted by football pitches can in no way make up for the permanent loss and degradation of green space.
“Nevertheless, the Guardians of Whitewebbs remain resolute and determined to explore all avenues for safeguarding the park for all. We will be announcing an open meeting shortly for all concerned by the news to learn about our next steps. Please stay up to data via our Instagram, newsletter and WhatsApp groups.”
Sean Wilkinson, the chair of the Friends of Whitewebbs Park group who last year led an unsuccessful legal challenge against the council’s decision to issue a 25-year lease to Spurs for the former Whitewebbs Parks Golf Course, told the Dispatch today (Tuesday 15th): “Obviously we are very disappointed, and I can’t understand how the mayor is prepared to give up public space in the Green Belt for a semi-industrial project.
“I think it shows a total disregard of public open space for the people of London […] the public benefits of the scheme have been grossly exaggerated.”
As part of its plans, Tottenham Hotspur FC has pledged to run a ten-year community outreach programme, including 36,700 hours of football activities and a commitment to reach deprived parts of the borough.
The club today declined to comment on City Hall’s decision.
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