Padel Courts Proposed for Bathampton Village Amid Noise Concerns
Plans have been submitted to construct five padel courts in the quiet village of Bathampton, located on the outskirts of Bath. This proposal comes as there are currently no padel facilities in the neighbouring city of Bath, despite the sport's growing popularity. The application, filed by Smash Padel, aims to utilise the site of the former railway station, which has been disused and fallen into disrepair since its closure in 1966.
Residents Voice Noise Worries
Local residents in Bathampton have raised significant concerns regarding the potential noise impacts of the padel courts. They note that no noise impact report has been submitted with the planning application, an omission they describe as critical given the village's quiet, conservation status and the surrounding countryside topography. One resident commented, "This seems to be a common reason for planning approval to be denied." This apprehension is rooted in previous rejections of padel court proposals in Bath by the Bath and North East Somerset Council's planning committee, which cited noise levels comparable to "gunfire" or "Chinese water torture" that could harm neighbours' mental health.
Previous Rejections in Bath
The lack of padel courts in Bath stems from multiple failed attempts to establish facilities. In 2024, the council's own plan to include padel courts in upgrades to Odd Down Sports Ground was rejected by its planning committee over noise concerns, leading to the project proceeding without them. Later that year, Lansdown Tennis Club's proposal was also refused permission due to similar noise issues, a decision upheld on appeal. Padel, a sport similar to squash but played with a solid racquet, originated in Mexico and has seen a surge in popularity post-Covid-19 lockdowns, yet Bath remains without a venue.
Smash Padel's Proposal Details
Smash Padel's application outlines the construction of five outdoor padel courts and a single-storey pavilion made from shipping containers on the Bathampton site. The company argues that demand for padel facilities is increasing, particularly for quality coaching, which is essential for local elite athletes who currently travel to Bicester for training. They state, "This is especially important for two young Bath residents who are elite athletes and currently have to travel considerable distances." The site, previously used as a timber yard, is described as underutilised and in need of revitalisation.
Other Padel Initiatives in the Area
In addition to Smash Padel's plans, the University of Bath is also seeking to introduce padel courts to the city. Their proposal includes two padel courts as part of a major student accommodation development for 962 students on campus, which is currently under consideration. This highlights the broader push to accommodate the sport's growth in the region, despite ongoing challenges related to noise and planning permissions.
The planning application for the Bathampton padel courts is now open for public comment, as residents and officials weigh the benefits of new sports facilities against potential disruptions to the village's tranquil environment.
