The University of Bath has unveiled ambitious plans to construct eight new student accommodation buildings at its Claverton Down campus, providing housing for 926 students. If approved by Bath and North East Somerset Council’s planning committee on April 15, this development will significantly expand on-campus living options while introducing something new to the city: padel courts.
The proposed buildings would be constructed on existing sports pitches to the east of the campus, including over two current tennis courts. In compensation, the university plans to replace these with two new padel courts, which, if built, would become Bath’s first dedicated venues for this rapidly growing racquet sport.
Previous efforts to establish padel courts in Bath, notably at Odd Down Sports Ground and Lansdown Tennis Club, were denied due to concerns about the game’s distinctive “gunfire-like” noise disturbing local residents. However, the council’s planning officers have taken a different stance this time. They acknowledge that some noise is expected in a university setting and recommend approving the new plans.
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The officers emphasized the university’s integral role within the district and highlighted that supporting its sustainable growth aligns with broader community interests. Furthermore, they noted the development’s positive economic impact through increased student spending and university employment opportunities.
Importantly, this project would alleviate housing pressure in the city by providing on-campus accommodation equivalent to about 386 shared student houses. This is particularly relevant given the council’s growing concern over the conversion of family homes into Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), an issue that saw proposals last year to restrict such conversions in three-bedroom family homes.
The planning committee will review the proposal at 10 a.m. on April 15 at Bath Guildhall’s council chamber. The decision will shape not only student housing availability but also introduce a new sporting facility to the city, marking a significant development for Bath.