Tottenham have been given approval to build a new women's training ground and academy within Whitewebbs Park, next to their Hotspur Way site, despite a huge number of objections.
At the end of a three-hour Enfield Council planning committee meeting on Tuesday night, which included a speech by Tottenham captain Bethany England, the council decided to approve the green belt plans to grant a 25-year lease to the football club for the new training ground and academy, which will contain 11 pitches and a new clubhouse.
Almost 300 objections had been sent in about the loss of green space and the impact on wildlife. In 2024, campaigners Friends of Whitewebbs Park challenged the council in the High Court over the decision to lease the section of the park to Spurs but lost their case.
An 18-hole golf course at Whitewebbs Park was closed in 2021 and that 240-acre site was reclaimed by nature and used by the public. Now Spurs have said in their documents that the training complex in the park will include a section that will preserve a woodland area and 2,000 trees will be planted at the site.
After speakers from two community group passionately made clear their opposition to the plans, Spurs women's captain England had her say at the meeting on Tuesday - the day before she met King Charles at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium - and spoke of the need for the new venture.
"This facility would provide our professional squad and local women and girls with the same opportunities to succeed as our male counterparts," the 30-year-old is quoted as saying in the Enfield Dispatch. “We need this facility to compete with the very best teams […] this is a once in a generation opportunity."
England added that the community football programmes to be provided as part of the plans would be "very important to inspire and nurture the very best talent" and added that she wants "to see the next generation of Women’s Super League stars coming to Enfield".
A Spurs spokesperson said: "We are delighted that Enfield Council’s Planning Committee has voted to approve our proposals. This is a special site and one we know extremely well being based next door. Our proposals will secure its future with a green use and ensure it remains an open and inclusive place for local people to enjoy.
"We shall improve local access to nature and habitats, provide new facilities for visitors, community groups, and sports clubs, and put Enfield on the map as a champion of the women’s and girls’ game with a best-in-class academy.
"We should like to thank all those who have engaged with us over the past few years and we shall now work with Enfield Council to conclude the necessary legal agreements. We shall of course continue to keep our local community updated on our next steps."
The meeting ended with councillors voting in favour of approving the Green Belt development after a concession made by Spurs to allay the committee's concerns over the impact a new access road would have on the ancient woodland with the park.
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