Councillors set to refuse padel court at Sheffield tennis club due to “unacceptable noise impacts”
A report said “impulsive, repetitive and intrusive” padel noise results in “significant harm” to neighbours
Councillors in Sheffield have been recommended to refuse planning permission for an existing padel court due to “an unacceptable level of noise disturbance”.
The padel court was built at Ecclesall Lawn Tennis Club more than two years ago, without planning permission from Sheffield City Council.
Padel is a racket sport that has grown hugely in popularity over the last few years, but with games taking place inside a metal mesh cage, the noise is “materially different” to tennis.
A report to the planning and highways committee said the “impulsive, repetitive and intrusive characteristics of padel noise” results in “significant harm” to neighbours.
It particularly notes the impacts on the residents of Dunkeld Road which overlooks the court, and the impact on their enjoyment of their homes and gardens.
The council gave an abatement notice in July this year, ending Ecclesall padel activity until a decision was taken.
Since then, padel users have been unable to play on the court.
In a post to its website at the time, the tennis club said: “Thank you to all padel players for your support over the past two years.”
The council report said as a racket sport, padel does fit within the use of the tennis club site.
However it said: “Padel generates a form of noise that is materially different from traditional tennis due to the sharp and repetitive impacts associated with balls striking rackets, glass panels and mesh fencing."
The retrospective planning application received 34 responses in support and 28 objections.
Padel users wrote in support and described the personal benefits of the court, including improved health, wellbeing, social connections and recovery from illness.
Concerns were raised about use of the court outside permitted hours, player behaviour, foul language, cheering and the impacts of the site’s topography amplifying this noise.
Objectors also said there are alternative padel courts available in Sheffield for players to visit and get the same benefits, without being so close to people's homes.
Councillors will make the final decision at a planning and highways committee meeting on October 13.