Plans to establish Bath’s first padel courts in the nearby village of Bathampton have been met with enthusiasm from many residents, signaling growing support for the sport in the area.
Bath currently lacks any padel courts, as previous proposals within the city have been rejected by Bath and North East Somerset Council’s planning committee. These earlier refusals were primarily due to concerns about the “gunfire-like” noise generated by padel racquets, even though one application had the council’s backing.
The most recent proposal by Smash Padel seeks to build five outdoor padel courts and a pavilion constructed from shipping containers on the site of the former Bathampton railway station, a location now disused and deteriorating. While some locals expressed worries about potential noise disruptions in the otherwise quiet village, advocates for the project have outnumbered opponents.
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Richard Trevethick, a Bathampton resident, expressed strong support, stating, “Previous objections have focused on noise, which is grossly over-stated. Across Europe, padel courts are often integrated into village and town centers, serving as sporting and social hubs.” He added that although courts in central Bath would be preferable, the chosen site is understandable given past challenges.
Local resident Sally Higham also praised the proposal, highlighting the benefits for families: “As a local parent, I welcome amenities that bring recreational opportunities closer to home and look forward to using these new facilities.”
The council’s planning portal recorded 184 supportive comments against 100 objections. Critics like David Rowlands cautioned that Bathampton’s narrow roads, limited parking, and tranquil environment could be adversely affected by increased activity and noise from multiple simultaneous matches.
This concern over noise and disturbance was central to the rejection of earlier padel court plans at Odd Down Sports Ground and Lansdown Tennis Club, leaving Bath’s padel enthusiasts without local venues. Player Sam Gillespie emphasized the need for nearby courts, lamenting that “my friends and I have to drive to Bristol to play the fastest growing sport in the UK.”
Alongside the Bathampton proposal, the University of Bath has put forward plans for two padel courts within a major student accommodation development, which remains under consideration.
The ongoing debate reflects the challenge of balancing community concerns with growing demand for padel facilities in and around Bath.