Renovation of Roland Garros blocked by tribunal

PARIS (AP) - The planned renovation of Roland Garros has been blocked after a Paris tribunal on Friday sided with local residents who complained the development could harm the environment.

The home of the French Open is undergoing an expansion that was scheduled to be completed in 2017, with plans including a retractable roof over the center court.

However, the Administrative Court of Paris ordered the plans to be stopped, ruling in favor of three local associations who had expressed concern about the impact on the environment, especially a nearby botanical garden.

The French Tennis Federation, whose plans were approved by the city government two years ago, said it noted the decision "with astonishment'' and would appeal.

The tribunal ordered local authorities to cancel its agreement with the federation within two months.