Plans to upgrade Bath’s Odd Down Sports Ground have been approved, but the controversial proposal to build the city’s first padel courts has been dropped once again.
Bath and North East Somerset Council confirmed planning permission this month for a major refurbishment of the site, which includes an extension to the existing pavilion to house a gym, a new mini cycle track, and improved lighting for the 3G pitch. However, the new padel courts initially proposed were removed following strong opposition.
The council’s earlier plan, which included the padel courts, was rejected in June 2024 by its own planning committee. Members described the game’s distinctive sound—similar to “Chinese water torture”—as a nuisance likely to disturb local residents. Consequently, the padel element was omitted from the revised application.
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Though current plans do not include padel courts, the updated proposal features a designated area marked for “future padel provision.” The council intends to submit a separate planning application to revisit the installation of padel courts at a later date.
Padel, a sport that combines elements of squash and tennis played with a solid bat, has surged in popularity worldwide since the Covid-19 lockdown. Despite this growth, Bath remains without a dedicated venue, having seen multiple applications turned down.
Earlier in 2024, the planning committee also rejected a proposal to build padel courts at Lansdown Tennis Club. The committee cited concerns that the “gunfire-like” noise would negatively affect the mental well-being of neighbours, a decision that was upheld on appeal.
Looking ahead, Bath’s first official padel courts might finally be realized at the University of Bath, where plans for a large student accommodation development include proposals for two padel courts within the campus grounds.