03 Nov Serve up for Padel

Padel tennis is becoming an increasingly popular sport and leisure activity in the UK, since its rapid growth across the world over the last few decades in countries like Spain and Sweden.  It is a hybrid racket sport combining elements of tennis and squash.  Not only does the sport keep you healthy, but it also has a social and well-being dimensions through creating a meeting place to catch up with friends and family.  The game is played as doubles on a small-enclosed court, and emphasises the need for tactics over physical strength, making the sport accessible to players of all ages and abilities.

From a planning perspective, not only does the principle of the use need to be established and each scheme will have its own site-specific issues, key to a successful planning application involves having the support of the Lawn Tennis Association and Sport England.  The noise impact of the proposals and the effect of lighting can present challenges to obtaining permission, along with providing adequate parking.  The courts are often covered by a canopy structure, but with open sides creating an outdoor feel to the play space.   The visual impact of this form of development would also be a material consideration of an application.

PJB Planning is currently providing consultancy assistance on a planning application for four courts near Harpenden in Hertfordshire for Padel Pass Limited (https://padelpass.co.uk/ )

If you have a padel court project that you would like to progress through planning, please do get in touch with PJB Planning, who would be able to assist and give their expert planning advice on this type of project.