Go-ahead given for new padel tennis courts in Southsea despite noise concerns
New padel courts are set to be created in Southsea
Four padel tennis courts will be created in Southsea following planning approval despite noise concerns.
A planning application for the facility was approved by Portsmouth City Council yesterday (June 17) and will be located at Canoe Lake off Southsea Esplanade, directly west of the popular Rose Gardens.
Mat Brown, a supporter, stated the “incredible benefits for wellness, fitness, health and happiness” of padel for the residents by recounting a padel tournament he competed in last week. He played in the final against a 12-year-old and an 81-year-old.
Three years prior, the 81-year-old spent his days watching daytime TV. Now he is out every day playing sports and making new friends. Brown emphasised that padel welcomes people of all ages from all walks of life.
As a padel coach, trainer and player for fifteen years, Mat Brown was excited about the access to padel for the 250,000 residents of Portsmouth, who otherwise would have to travel at least twenty minutes to play.
Linda Burton objected to the plans and was particularly concerned about the noise impact of the four courts. She stated: “The location is in a peaceful area in a conservation area adjacent to the rose gardens, particularly the Japanese garden. These areas are described as being spaces of peace and tranquillity.”
Padel tennis is played with a hard bat on a smaller court with more intense strikes than tennis. The ball repeatedly hits the glass walls of the court, in the style of squash.
The noise has been limited in the plans by a four-meter-high acoustic screen to the north to help absorb and reflect the sound. In the plans, the courts are 83 meters south of the nearest residences. The disruption has been balanced against the existing use, which has no form of sound deadening.
Further concerns were raised by Linda Burton surrounding the six-meter floodlights, but applicant John Cooke assured councillors that the lights would be turned off at 9pm.
Evaluating the sound and light issues, Cllr Joe Standen stated: “sport does more for people’s mental health than anything else.”
Cllr Lee Hunt was enthusiastic about the CourtX development opportunity to enrich the city’s culture, creative industries and sport, putting Southsea on the map. He referred to John Cooke as “an unsung hero who has evolved that area.”
Cllr Hunt proposed to grant planning permission subject to the conditions, and Cllr Standon seconded the proposal. Seven councillors then voted in favour of the development, and one voted against.
As Portsmouth celebrates 100 years as a city, Mat Brown emphasised that Portsmouth deserves to adopt the fastest-growing sport in the UK.
The applicant, John Cooke, said that the courts alongside the new CourtX Art Trail will act as a flagship community and cultural site for Portsmouth.
The Art Trail will consist of a series of outdoor sculptures and will maximise the use of the space around the courts. Providing a relaxed area to sit in, as art and tennis are accommodated using a dynamic approach.