Campaigners vow to fight on after council approves Spurs academy plans for Whitewebbs Park in Enfield.
Around 150 people met in Enfield to protest the council’s decision. The council approved Spurs’ football academy plans Tuesday. The academy would be on the old golf course.
Protesters held banners saying “Save Whitewebbs.” Other signs spoke against fences and plastic pitches. They want to keep the park for locals and also mentioned environmental concerns.
Ecologist Russell Miller spoke at the protest, saying the fight isn’t over yet. The London mayor could still reject the plan. He believes the land is being privatized and claimed the council should not have agreed, citing a large ecological impact.
Wildlife expert Benny Hawksbee also spoke, saying Spurs should buy private land. He stated they do not need public green space, describing the park as an ecological theme park.
Hawksbee noted that the rewilding is the best in Enfield. It started when the golf course closed in 2021.
Councilors were told the academy would help women’s sports. Bethany England requested the plans’ approval. The vote was split along party lines, with Labour voting for it and Conservatives against it.
Enfield Council will have a 25-year deal with Spurs. 16 hectares will be enclosed if authorities do not overturn it, once permissions are signed off.