Councillors in Bath have been vindicated in their decision to block the city’s first Padel courts, following an appeal that confirmed the distinctive “gunfire-like” noise of the sport as a legitimate reason for refusal.
Padel, a fast-growing sport similar to squash but played with a solid racquet, originated in Mexico and has gained popularity worldwide, especially since the Covid-19 lockdowns. However, Bath residents eager to play the game remain out of luck, as no dedicated courts exist locally.
Currently, around 60 members of the Lansdown Tennis, Squash, and Croquet Club travel regularly to Bristol to play. Their club’s application to build two Padel courts in Bath was rejected by Bath and North East Somerset Council’s planning committee. The courts would have been situated only three and a half metres from the nearest home, raising concerns about excessive noise from the ball impacts.
One councillor described the racket noise as resembling “gunfire” and warned it risked meeting the World Health Organization’s definition of “seriously annoying” sound levels. This objection was upheld in August 2024.
The club appealed the decision to the Planning Inspectorate, which reviews such applications. At the end of June, inspector Andrew Boughton agreed with the council, noting that Padel produces louder and more rapid ball impacts compared to traditional lawn tennis. He emphasized that nearby residents would likely find even minimal increases in noise intolerable.
This ruling may complicate another Padel project proposed by Bath and North East Somerset Council itself, aiming to build courts at Odd Down Sports Ground. The council’s own planning committee had also rejected that application in June 2024, citing concerns the noise would be akin to “Chinese water torture” for neighbours.
It’s important to note that planning committees operate independently of the council administration and base decisions strictly on planning policies and community impact assessments.
In response, the council is revising its plans for Odd Down, hoping that new proposals will address noise concerns and secure approval. An updated planning application is anticipated this summer.