New padel courts to replace tennis court

Proposals to create padel courts at a tennis venue have been approved, despite concerns over noise.

Sutton Coldfield Tennis Club recently lodged plans to install three new covered padel courts, each measuring 10x20m (33x66ft), to replace one existing lawn tennis court.

Some people living nearby had raised objections while others had submitted letters in support of the application.

A spokesman for the club on Highbridge Road told Birmingham City Council's planning committee the new courts would help it "continue and thrive through widening its appeal", and the proposals were ultimately approved.

Padel, a racquet sport played in an enclosed court and often described as a cross between tennis and squash, is enjoying a surge in popularity in the UK.

The International Padel Federation estimates there are 30m players globally.

The application comes against concerns that there are insufficient venues to meet demand in the West Midlands.

Jason Kerrigan, 53, whose lives next to the Sutton Coldfield site, said he and others against the plans were "absolutely astonished" they were approved and he had written to the city council to complain.

He said padel was "extremely loud" and was concerned about the impact on more than 100 elderly residents nearby, including people with dementia and Parkinson's disease.

"It will be very bad for people's health and people's lives," he said.

He previously described the noise as "like a Quentin Tarantino movie is being played out in real time - bang, bang, bang, bang - and it doesn't stop".

But the club said research had shown the noise would be within national guidelines.

The new courts at the club on Highbridge Road are set to be used from 08:00 to 21:00.

"The objectors' main focus is on the potential noise impact," the club spokesman said.

"Computer modelling software has been used in the noise reports - it shows that even with all three padel courts in use, noise levels would be within national guidelines."

He added that the club was planning to build 2.5m-high (8ft) acoustic fencing "to further minimise any impact".

"This proposal will provide a more varied leisure offer at the club and assist with its viability, promoting health and wellbeing," he said.

A consultant acting on behalf of local residents said they were not "against padel" but "against overdevelopment".

The council report concluded that any noise from use of the padel courts "would cause no greater impact" than the site's existing use.

Letters of support argued there was "insufficient provision" of padel facilities in north Birmingham, and the development would help ensure the long-term future of the club.

The Lawn Tennis Association supported the application, while Sutton Town Council raised no objection.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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