Legal Updates

September 3rd 2026
We are extremely disappointed that Spurs has taken the decision to ignore the wishes of the local community and the new council administration. They have applied to the Court of Appeal for permission to appeal the recent High Court judgment which quashed planning permission for their development on Whitewebbs Park.

However, we remain undeterred. There was a strong High Court judgment in our favour finding the planning permission unlawful. Sir Timothy Kerr found Enfield Council misled its own planning committee and breached transparency provisions.

The High Court has already refused Spurs permission to appeal the judgment. In rejecting this initial appeal, the judge stated that “the finding of material prejudice was a finding that real procedural unfairness had occurred.” He concluded with a strong rebuttal, “that the committee was materially misled seems to me incontestable. Officers would not have troubled to suppress Mr Sutton’s views on BNG [Biodiversity Net Gain] unless they were concerned those views could influence the committee’s decision.”

The Guardians of Whitewebbs will do all we can to defend our park, no matter how long it takes. The importance of public green space has never been greater, and it is abundantly clear that parks should not be enclosed and given over to private business.

Unfortunately, due to Spurs’ intransigence, there are additional legal costs for all parties. We will be incurring additional fees that we will be unlikely to recover even if the application is refused. We know you have recently been very generous, so we are not asking for further donations at this stage. However, our CrowdJustice fund will remain open for donations should you feel like giving now.

These legal challenges have been costly for all parties yet fall most heavily on communities that do not have billions at their disposal. If Spurs are successful and get permission from the Court of Appeal, then we will be asking for your kind support in raising the funds necessary to cover the hearing costs.

Despite the challenges of taking on a multi-billion-pound business, we are feeling very positive about our victorious judgment at the High Court and the future for Whitewebbs Park. We have been encouraged by the support of the new Council administration in keeping our precious Green Belt safe from private development. And our eyes are fixed on the big prize: saving Whitewebbs for many future generations.

Do continue to follow us on socials, share our posts and subscribe to our content for the latest news on our campaign.

With appreciation for your continued support!

Relevant articles:

Enfield Dispatch: “Tottenham Hotspur submit appeal request over Whitewebbs court judgement”
The Enfield Society: “Spurs to appeal the Judicial Review?”
Enfield Dispatch: "Second court case over future of Whitewebbs Park hears claims of ‘bias’ in council decision to back Spurs plans" (25th June 2026)
BBC: "Spurs academy approval may be biased, court told" (24th June 2026)