Wantage Lawn Tennis Club, located on Manor Road, has submitted a proposal to transform an existing tarmac tennis court into new sports facilities.
Padel, the world’s fastest-growing racket sport, is gaining popularity quickly worldwide, especially in Spain and Latin America. The game is expanding its presence in the UK, Germany, France, the Middle East, Australia, Canada, and the United States.
The Vale of White Horse District Council planning officers have recommended approval for the installation of new courts, with a decision expected on Wednesday, April 16. The planning has garnered a mix of public opinions, with one expression of support and one objection recorded.
Jonathan Bolden, a resident of Belmont, shared his enthusiasm: “I am writing to express my strong support for the application submitted by Wantage Tennis Club to replace an underutilised tarmac tennis court with two padel courts and one pickleball court.
“As a local resident keen to take up padel, I see this as a fantastic opportunity to introduce more people to sport, catering to a wider range of ages and demographics. Padel and pickleball are among the fastest-growing racket sports globally, known for their accessibility and social appeal.
“By adding these courts, the club will not only enhance its facilities but also attract new members and encourage greater community participation in physical activity.
“Given the limited use of the existing tarmac court, I believe this application will significantly benefit both the club and the wider community by promoting active lifestyles and making sport more inclusive.”
However, Bruce Simmonds of Manor Road shared his concerns: “I have serious concerns regarding the impact this development will have on the surrounding residential area, particularly in relation to noise disturbance, loss of residential amenity, and potential issues with traffic and parking.
“Padel and pickleball are known to generate significant noise due to the hard paddles and plastic balls used in play. Unlike tennis, the sound travels and is particularly disruptive in quiet residential areas.
“The proposed courts are in close proximity to residential properties and the continuous impact noise, combined with potential music and shouting of players will create an ongoing disturbance.
“I respectfully urge the council to consider the significant impact this proposal will have on residents and reject the application on grounds of noise disturbance, loss of residential amenity, and traffic safety issues.”
Padel is a hybrid of tennis and squash, with rules similar to tennis. The court is about half the size of a tennis court and is enclosed by glass and mesh panels. The game is played with tennis balls and specialized racquets designed for padel.
For those interested in learning more about local sports opportunities, or creating a free business profile, visit the sports and fitness directory on Wantage.com.
