High Court overturns approval for Tottenham Hotspur women’s academy

The High Court has quashed planning permission for Tottenham Hotspur FC’s proposed women’s and girls’ training academy at Whitewebbs Park in Enfield following a successful judicial review.

The scheme, designed by F3 Architects, was approved in July 2025 and included 10 football pitches, refurbishment of two existing clubhouse buildings and construction of a new grounds maintenance facility.

The proposals were intended to create a dedicated training base for Tottenham Hotspur’s women’s and girls’ teams but attracted more than 300 objections, with concerns focused largely on development within designated Green Belt land.

The judicial review was supported by Enfield Council’s new Conservative-led administration following the May 2026 local elections.

In his judgment, Sir Tim Kerr found that councillors had been materially misled because the planning officers’ report had omitted analysis of environmental benefits claimed in support of the development.

The ruling means the existing planning permission has now been overturned.

Tottenham Hotspur said the judgment relates to the legal process followed by Enfield Council rather than the planning merits of the scheme itself.

The club said it continues to believe the development would provide benefits for the local area, including improved access to green space, restoration of heritage assets and new community facilities.

Tottenham Hotspur will now consider the judgment before deciding its next steps.