Merton Council is considering the disposal of a section of land within Cannizaro Park, Wimbledon, following a request from an adjoining landowner. The decision was made at a Cabinet meeting on Monday 22 September 2025.
The council advertised its intention to dispose of the land under Section 123(2A) of the Local Government Act 1972, and considered representations raised in response. Details of the representations and the council's responses are summarised in Appendix 2 Land at Cannizaro Park Summary of Representations.
The report pack stated that the land does not fulfil requirements as an operational site and therefore is surplus, as it has not been maintained by the service for many years and is not easily accessible. The council considers the land surplus because this small strip of land has not been maintained by the service for many years and has been inaccessible for most visitors.
According to the report pack for the meeting, the council received a request from the landowner of an adjoining property to purchase the land. The specific size and location are not detailed in the provided text, but a plan is available in Appendix 1 Plan land rear of 2 the Sycamores. The report also noted that the land appears to have been used by this landowner as a private garden as an extension of their private home for a number of years.
The report pack also stated that the land forms part of Cannizaro Park, which is owned by the council, and is public open space, held by the council as statutory trustee of the public open space.
Residents should note that the decision regarding the land disposal at Cannizaro Park is subject to call-in.
