Padel courts are set to be built in Bath after winning planning approval.
Bath made national headlines for repeatedly refusing to allow padel courts to be built in the city on account of the “gunfire-like” noise of the game. But Bath and North East Somerset Council has now finally granted planning permission for five courts in a village on the edge of the city.
Planning committee member Ian Halsall (Oldfield Park, Liberal Democrat) said: “If you can’t have a padel tennis court here, you can’t have one anywhere. And given the level of support we have received, it clearly does demonstrate that there is demand for this sport.”
186 people had submitted comments to the council urging it to approve Smash Padel’s plan to build the courts at the former railway station in Bathampton. “Bath is in dire need of padel courts,” read one commenter left by a padel player who said they and their friends were having to drive to Bristol.
Padel is a sport similar to squash but played with a solid racquet. Originally from Mexico, it has boomed in popularity since the Covid-19 lockdown and is one of the fastest growing sports.
One Bath local particularly pleased to see the courts approved was Smash Padel CEO Rupert Taylor, who lives in Bath himself. He said: “Bathampton is a brilliant fit for Smash. It’s a site with history and personality, and we’ve worked hard to design a club that respects its surroundings.
“As a resident, I know Bath is a city that cares deeply about its heritage and its green spaces. That’s why our plans were shaped with sensitivity from the start, and why this approval means so much. We’re excited to begin work and to welcome players from 4 years old and upwards when we open.”
Neighbours had raised concerns about noise and warned that it could cause traffic issues as vehicles turned from the junction by the canal bridge down the privately-owned lane leading to the site. But councillors heard the nearest home was 170 metres away and the council’s traffic officers did not have concerns.
The planning committee had previously refused planning permission for padel courts at Lansdown Lawn Tennis Club as the nearest home was just three and a half metres from the courts, and concerns were raised that the “gunfire-like” noise of racquets hitting the ball could affect residents’ mental health. Another proposal for padel courts at Odd Down Sports Ground was rejected on noise grounds, despite the council itself being the applicant.
Plans for four courts at Walcot Rugby Club are also awaiting a decision, while two courts were included in the University of Bath’s student accommodation scheme approved earlier this year.
By John Wimperis, Local Democracy Reporter