Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage city celebrated for its Georgian architecture, has had an unlikely feud with the growing sport of padel—a Mexican racquet game invented in 1969. The conflict centered on the noise generated by padel, often described by local residents as “gunfire-like,” which led to repeated refusals of planning permission for courts within the city.
Padel requires specially constructed courts, but until recently, Bath lacked any. Proposals to build courts faced fierce opposition, with neighbors comparing the incessant sound of padel balls striking the solid racquets and walls to noisy volleys “like Chinese water torture.” This led Bath and North East Somerset Council’s independent planning committee to reject applications for courts at venues like Odd Down Sports Ground and Lansdown Tennis Club. The committee echoed concerns that the game’s noise matched the World Health Organization’s criteria for being “seriously annoying.” Even appeals reached the planning inspectorate, which upheld the refusals citing proximity of neighbors and the sport’s distinctive, louder sound compared to lawn tennis.
The controversy stirred a significant public debate. While some residents voiced worries about noise and increased traffic, nearly twice as many enthusiasts expressed a strong desire for local courts. Many lamented the need to travel as far as Bristol just to play the UK’s fastest-growing sport.
READ MORE: Tributes Paid to Beloved Somerset Artist Known for Quirky, Colourful Paintings
READ MORE: Major Regeneration Project at Iconic Glastonbury Site Secures Key Anchor Tenant
The stalemate finally broke in April when plans for eight blocks of student accommodation at the University of Bath received approval. Although the development will replace existing tennis and sports pitches, it includes the addition of two new padel courts to compensate for the loss. Curiously, the planning committee devoted more time debating the aesthetic aspects of the new student blocks than the padel courts, which were briefly mentioned as a part of the project’s sports facilities.
This decision marks the approval of Bath’s first padel courts—likely a welcome development for the University of Bath’s Padel Society, which currently travels 15 miles to Bristol for matches. While public access arrangements for the new courts remain unclear, the university confirmed its commitment to integrating these facilities within its renowned sports village, which features world-class amenities including Olympic-standard pools, tennis courts, and even the UK’s sole bobsleigh push-start track.
Bath’s saga with padel underscores the challenges many cities face balancing heritage, community concerns, and the rise of new sports. Now, after years of resistance, Bath residents and students alike can look forward to playing padel on home ground.