A proposal to build padel courts near Bath has reignited controversy as local residents express concerns about potential noise impacts. Despite the absence of any padel courts within Bath itself, attempts to introduce the sport have faced repeated rejections due to noise worries.
Bath & North East Somerset Council’s planning committee has twice blocked plans to develop the city’s first padel courts. In one instance, the council even rejected its own scheme. Committee members have described padel’s distinctive “gunfire-like” sounds as potentially damaging to the mental wellbeing of nearby neighbours.
Now, Smash Padel has submitted plans to build five outdoor courts on the disused railway station site in Bathampton, a peaceful village on the city’s outskirts. However, locals criticize the application for omitting any noise impact assessments, stressing the importance of preserving the village’s quiet, conservation area nature.
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The proposed development includes a pavilion constructed from shipping containers. While the railway station closed in 1966 and later operated as a timber yard, the site has since fallen into disrepair. Smash Padel argues there is a growing demand for courts locally, especially for coaching elite young athletes who currently travel long distances for training.
Padel, a fast-growing racquet sport similar to squash but played with solid rackets, gained popularity during the Covid-19 lockdown. However, every proposal to introduce facilities in Bath has been denied, with noise being the central objection.
Earlier in 2024, plans to add padel courts at Odd Down Sports Ground were dismissed by the council’s own planning committee, who likened the noise to “Chinese water torture.” Later, Lansdown Tennis Club’s attempt to add courts was also refused due to the “gunfire-like” noise, a decision upheld on appeal.
Meanwhile, the University of Bath is exploring its own plans to build two padel courts as part of a large-scale student accommodation project currently under review.
As the sport steadily grows, the debate continues over balancing the demand for facilities with protecting the quiet character of Bath’s surrounding villages.