Fury over plans for super-sized padel tennis centre in warehouse surrounded by homes as neighbours say 'tremendous noise' will stop people 'relaxing in their gardens'

Daily Mail​

3 days ago

Furious neighbours are battling to stop a super-sized padel tennis centre next an an existing rival site, which they argue would stop them from being able to relax in their gardens.
Plans for the site were lodged with the local council, which sparked backlash from residents arguing that the centre would create a huge traffic problem and be very noisy in the area.
Since the company, Advantage Padel, tabled the proposals for the warehouse in Christchurch, Dorset, 25 locals have now objected to it.
The new centre will have nine full-size courts, as well as four singles courts, which would mean up to 44 people could play at the same time.
This would add to an already established padel tennis business located within the same industrial complex.
Padel tennis has recently risen in popularity and has become one of the fastest-growing sports in the UK.
Unlike in tennis, a padel racket is solid with no strings and is thicker, meaning it makes a very loud noise when striking the ball.
Locals say as the new centre would be open from 7am to 10pm for seven days a week, it would them 'no respite' to those affected.
Resident Mark Anderson said: 'Padel tennis is very loud and multiple courts being used all times of day and evening will be very disruptive.
'I feel that this facility will add a lot of noise in the area.'
Julia Gladstone said: 'This facility will result in a huge increase in the volume of traffic entering and exiting a small complex of business units.
'The centre will be open from early morning to late evening and will create a high level of noise which will effect local residents and have a negative impact on their use of the garden for relaxation.
'The increase in both noise and air pollution that will be caused by the introduction of such a large facility cannot be ignored.'
Kevan Thornton added: 'The huge number of padel courts will generate a tremendous noise which despite being in an enclosed building will have an adverse effect on local offices and neighbours.'
Many people also raised concerns that the new centre would push out a much smaller padel business just 350 yards away.
The PicklePad, the UK's first dedicated pickleball and padel indoor centre, opened in January just around the corner from where Advantage Padel want to put their new centre.
Hayley Richardson said the PicklePad is already meeting the demand.
She said: 'The applicant has failed to acknowledge the existence of a similar, established facility within close proximity.
'Their assertion that no such facility exists in Christchurch, and that there is an unmet demand, is therefore inaccurate.'
Richard McWilliam said it will cause 'misery' for residents.
He added: 'I enjoy sport and fitness and I am aware padel tennis is a popular sport and I am always supportive of any sporting or health facility opening.
'I think it is very short sighted to approve another very similar facility when PicklePad opened so recently.'
Not everyone is against the plans. Jonathan Facer said it would bring new jobs to the local economy.
He added: 'It will give more access to a fantastic new sport. It will be great to have one of largest padel tennis centres in the south of England, right here is Christchurch. I can't wait!'
Padel has the same scoring system as tennis, but different rules, strokes and techniques.
It was invented in Mexico in the 1960s, but soared in popularity during the Covid pandemic as it could be played outside and did not involve physical contact.
By 2023 there were more than 25 million active players across 90 countries.
In the UK, the Lawn Tennis Association said the number of courts have increased from 50 in 2019 to 350, and they aim to have 1,000 courts by the end of next year.
The bats are solid and the ball can be hit off the court walls, like in squash.
Both these things result in it being considered far noisier than tennis, with some likening the sound to gunfire.