Wandsworth Council's Planning Applications Committee has confirmed Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) for trees at Southfields Lawn Tennis Club, a decision that could impact the club's future development plans.
The committee, which met on Thursday, March 12, 2026, considered a report recommending the confirmation of TPOs for trees on Gressenhall Road. These orders are designed to protect trees with significant public amenity value that are deemed healthy and in good condition.
At Southfields Lawn Tennis Club, a TPO was made for one Sycamore and three Lime trees. The council's Tree Officer assessed these trees as healthy and in good condition and suitable to be covered by a Tree Preservation Order.
This assessment was made despite an objection from an arboricultural consultant representing the tennis club, who raised concerns about decay and cavities in some of the trees. The consultant's objection, lodged against TPO 513/2025, cited the Sycamore and one Lime tree as being in poor condition. However, the council's Tree Officer maintained their assessment, noting that if decay is identified in the future, applications for removal or pruning can be made.
The decision to confirm these TPOs has raised concerns about the club's expansion plans. Councillor Humphries expressed worry that the TPO status would impede the club's proposals to replace and enlarge their clubhouse. He highlighted that the only feasible location for the new clubhouse would be on the footprint of the existing one, which would necessitate encroaching on the area of a large Sycamore tree (T2). Councillor Humphries suggested that a pragmatic solution could be reached through negotiation, potentially involving an alternative site for an equally magnificent tree
elsewhere on the club's grounds.
It is understood that the trees were unprotected before the TPO was made. Councillor Humphries also implied that the TPO was enacted after the club submitted a pre-application for a new clubhouse, suggesting it was a response to their development plans rather than a pre-existing protection measure. The club itself is believed to have been established for over 100 years, predating the trees in question.
The 'public amenity value' of these specific trees was assessed by the council. For TPO 513/2025 at Southfields Lawn Tennis Club, the Sycamore and Lime trees were noted to have significant public amenity value for those living in and travelling through the area.
For other TPOs discussed at the meeting, the criteria included being mature and significant
and prominently visible from the public realm,
or having considerable amenity value for those living and working in the area
and enhancing the setting of nearby buildings.
The committee's decision to confirm these TPOs ensures the continued protection of these valuable trees within the borough. Further details on the TPOs and the committee's decisions can be found in the public reports pack for the Planning Applications Committee meeting on 12th March 2026 Public reports pack 12th-Mar-2026 19.30 Planning Applications Committee and the associated decisions document Decisions 12th-Mar-2026 19.30 Planning Applications Committee.