A rugby club near Bath has become the latest to try and build the city’s first padel courts although Somerset already has them at Brean Country Club – picture from the BBC.
Walcot Rugby Club wants to build four padel courts at its grounds on Lansdown Road, just north of the city. The rugby club said that there were fewer people playing rugby, while padel was growing in popularity but there was nowhere in Bath to play it.
Bath and North East Somerset Council’s planning committee has twice refused planning permission for padel courts in the city itself over concerns the “gunfire-like” noise of the game might harm neighbours’ mental health. Last month, some courts at the University of Bath finally were approved, but Walcot RFC said its plan would serve the other side of the city.
The rugby club wants to build four courts under a lightweight canopy over a small area used for training next to its pitches. The planning application stated: “The small loss of the peripheral training paddock is more than offset by the alternative specialist facilities proposed, particularly given the recognised under provision of such courts within the city area.”
It said: “By diversifying the sports attraction Walcot RFC aim to maintain a viable club, both financially, but also broadening its attraction, and simply offering greater facilities for instance for parents whilst their children attend training sessions.”
Padel is a sport similar to squash but plated with a solid racquet. Originally from Mexico, the sport has boomed in popularity since the Covid-19 lockdown and is one of the fastest growing sports.
Another planning application to build padel courts on another side of Bath, at the former railway station in Bathampton, is also pending. A decision on that application is expected by June.
Walcot RFC’s plans are open for comments until May 25 and a decision is expected by June 25. You can view and comment on the plans here: https://app.bathnes.gov.uk/webforms/planning/details.html?refval=26%2F01676%2FFUL#details_Section
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