Trans-led group granted permission to intervene in Hampstead Heath bathing ponds case

The judicial review claim, being brought by the group Sex Matters, challenges the CLC's access policy for the bathing ponds, which allows trans men to use the men's ponds and trans women to use the women's ponds.

The decision to allow TransLucent to intervene means the group will submit additional arguments and information to the legal claim, set to be heard on 3 and 4 November. The group says this means the High Court can hear directly from trans people impacted by the policy.

The ponds are managed by the CLC, which in June 2026 decided to keep the ponds trans-inclusive in light of a public consultation which saw 86% of respondents in say they were in favour of retaining the policy.

The review and consultation carried out by the CLC was in response to the For Women Scotland ruling in the Supreme Court in April 2025.

The CLC's decision means trans women can continue to swim in the women's pond and trans men can continue to swim in the men's ponds, as well as the mixed-gender pond.

Sex Matters argues in its judicial review claim that these arrangements are unlawful.

As well as submitting viewpoints of trans people affected by the policy, TransLucent, which is described by the Equality and Human Rights Commission as a "key stakeholder" on transgender rights, will be addressing points of principle that may have wider importance beyond this case.

TransLucent is represented by solicitors Ellie Fawcett, Anna Dews and Partner Ricardo Gama of Leigh Day with Hannah Slarks from 11KBW and Crash Krylova (Wigley) from Landmark Chambers instructed as counsel.

Leigh Day solicitor Ellie Fawcett said:

"This case concerns a policy that has important consequences for trans users of the ponds. By granting TransLucent permission to intervene, the High Court will have the benefit of hearing evidence and submissions from those directly affected. We are pleased that TransLucent's evidence and the experiences of trans people impacted by the policy will be before the Court as it considers these important issues."