Padel courts in Harrogate

Padel courts in Harrogate are rejected over noise concerns despite mitigation plan

Councillors have rejected plans for padel courts in Harrogate after concerns over noise, light pollution and impact on nearby residents and wildlife.

A proposal for two outdoor padel courts at the David Lloyd gym in Oakdale Place, Harrogate, has been refused by North Yorkshire Council despite revised plans aimed at reducing disruption.

The retrospective application covered courts and a social area that had already been built. It had previously been rejected in September due to noise complaints and concerns about the nearby Oak Beck wildlife corridor.

Noise concerns remain key issue

In a follow-up application, David Lloyd Clubs proposed noise reduction measures, including acoustic barriers and upgraded “asymmetric” lighting to reduce light spill.

However, councillors said they were not convinced the changes would sufficiently reduce noise from padel — a sport often described as producing a sharp, percussive sound.

Patrick Fitzgerald, chairman of the Oakbeck Valley Residents Association, told the committee the mitigation plans were “not credible”.

He warned residents would face “continuous noise seven days a week”, adding that the tranquillity of the Oak Beck Valley would be permanently affected.

“Last summer, this was a constant intrusion into our lives. On hot days, we couldn’t open our windows and dreaded coming home to the noise,” he said.

Impact on residents and environment

Committee chair Josie Caven said the benefits of the facility did not outweigh the harm.

“While the proposal may provide physical and mental health benefits, these are outweighed by the impact on residential amenity, including noise, light pollution and ecological disturbance,” she said.

Councillor Peter Lacey noted the site had previously been used as a tennis court, but said padel created a very different level of disturbance.

“Tennis is a more gentle background noise. Padel is sharper and more intrusive,” he said, suggesting indoor courts as an alternative.

Divided local opinion

The decision highlights growing tensions around padel court developments in residential areas across the UK.

The Harrogate proposal attracted 175 letters of support and 34 objections, reflecting a split in community opinion.

Despite planning officers recommending approval, councillors voted to reject the application.

David Lloyd Clubs has been approached for comment. The company previously said it had introduced voluntary restrictions on operating hours and carried out a noise assessment.