Padel court applications on green belt site rejected

Concerns were raised about the impact of lighting and noise

Plans for padel courts in Surrey have been rejected amid concern about noise potentially affecting a nearby village.

Two applications for courts on land behind a cottage in Eashing Lane, Milford, were rejected by Guildford councillors.

One application was for four uncovered padel courts, and the other was for two covered and two uncovered courts.

A reception building, two portacabins for toilets and showers, vehicle access and car parking were also included in the plans.

Planning officers had recommended both plans for refusal because of their “detrimental visual impact” and harm to the openness of the green belt.

The applications together received more than 400 letters of support, and 74 objections, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Respondents said the courts would be a much welcomed sport facility which could support the health and wellbeing of locals.

Others said they were on waiting lists for padel clubs or had to drive out of the borough to play.

'Disturbed'

Padel, a mix between tennis and squash, is usually played on an enclosed court surrounded by walls of glass and metallic mash.

Guildford councillors said they were “sympathetic” and acknowledged a need for sports centres in the community but were concerned about the impact of noise and light pollution.

Concerns were raised about floodlighting being on until 22:00 due to the impact on wildlife and on the “dark skies” in the area.

Local resident John Miles told the meeting that the floodlights could be 100 times stronger than the average street light, meaning sunsets and views could be “permanently disturbed”.

Wade Disley, the applicant, said he has been trying to build the court for two years, to “do good in the community” and bring padel to more people.