A tennis club at the heart of a noise dispute objected to proposals for building apartments near their courts, fearing that residents would eventually complain about the noise from the tennis games.
The Winchester Racquets and Fitness Club has been inundated with complaints from neighboring residents who have had to tolerate waves of racket sounds described as similar to gunshots along with persistent profanity coming from the players.
Earlier this year, the club received a noise restriction notice after sparking outrage among neighbors residing in the £1 million houses nearby.
To prevent additional grievances, the club openly opposed a plan to convert an adjacent care facility into apartments. This proposed development would be situated nearer to the Padel courts than some of the residences that have voiced their objections.
The document indicated that potential inhabitants of the 32 residences might face a high probability of hearing individuals playing sports within the area. It also urged the authorities to evaluate how this noise could affect upcoming tenants prior to giving approval for the project’s development.
The racket group mentioned past problems due to the noise and noted that although they aimed to coexist peacefully with their present neighbors, they have faced grievances.
Winchester Racquets and Fitness raised objections to the proposals, with 24 Acoustics representing them soon after the submissions were made by developer Archel Homes in 2023.
However, regardless of this—and 64 additional concerns—the project received approval earlier this year.
The club’s objection was as follows: “Winchester Racquets and Fitness has consistently aimed to maintain peaceful relations with nearby residents; however, we have been receiving complaints regarding noise originating from the usage of the Padel courts by individuals living on Berweeke Close.”
This issue is being treated with great seriousness by WRF, who are presently exploring various methods and strategies aimed at decreasing the noise impact.
The suggested project for the old nursing home location is much nearer to the Padel courts compared to the current homes on Berweeke Close.
It is evident that granting planning permission for the redevelopment of the former nursing home site as suggested would result in a substantial likelihood of considerable negative noise effects on the residents due to the proper functioning of the WRF’s Paddle courts.
In their objection, they stated that approval for development should not occur until Winchester City Council confirms they are satisfied with ensuring current residents will coexist harmoniously without generating considerable negative noise effects on prospective inhabitants of the planned project.
The development was given the green light earlier this year by council chiefs. The planners said that they have given ‘full regard’ to the comments made by the club.
They said that when granting permission to the racquets club to open Padel courts in 2020, the council itself concluded that residents at the care home would ‘not be substantially impacted’ by the operation of the courts.
The firm also pointed out that ‘the noise levels were actually reduced when compared to the former tennis courts that occupied the current location of the padel courts.’
Padel is commonly recognized as the quickest expanding sport globally, boasting more than 25 million participants worldwide.
Similar to tennis, but distinctively different, a Padel racket features a solid surface without strings and has extra thickness, resulting in a significant auditory impact whenever it hits the ball.
The Winchester club was subjected to a noise abatement order following complaints from locals about the disturbance caused by their activities.
Following their formal investigation by the city council regarding the noises made by the players and the alleged use of profanity, this occurred.
In an update to members, the club cautioned that padel could be subject to fresh limitations aimed at reducing noise levels.
Local residents voiced their disapproval when the club revealed intentions to increase the number of courts from three to six back in the previous year.
Peter and Liz Russell — whose home is merely 11 feet (3.5 meters) away from two tennis courts — addressed the issue back then.
For forty years they have roamed the roads, with the past fifteen being particularly favorable ever since authorities consented to take away the floodlights situated close to where they live.
However, upon learning about the club’s intention to transform them into facilities for Padel, the former company director and teacher opted to intervene.
Mr. Russell, who is 75 years old, stated: “I have mentioned before that I am prepared to pursue this matter up to the level of the Supreme Court. Living here has become unbearable.”
He mentioned that if approved, it might lead to a significant decrease in the house’s value and affect their ability to sell it. Additionally, it would interfere with any peace of mind they could enjoy in their garden because of noises resembling gunshots.
‘Padel offers an activity for less-mobile retirees such as Liz and me who want to try it out. However, we prefer locations away from private residences and their gardens.’
Tennis has never sparked such levels of resistance before. We can cope with tennis – it’s far from being as problematic as Padel. No one anticipated just how loud, disturbing, and unpleasant these courts would turn out to be.
He stated that the courts were ‘creating significant disruptions for individuals in their personal residences’.
John Colley, who is 53 years old, resides in a distinct row of homes where multiple backyard gardens face the club’s Padel courts.
“When they served as tennis courts, it wasn’t an issue,” he stated.
‘Padel is simpler to pick up; various individuals enjoy playing it and often yell quite loudly, sometimes even resorting to profanity.’
Regarding the possibility of having six courts, the retail employee stated: “This idea is insane. I would vehemently oppose any additional courts being installed.”
They are operating from 8 AM to 9 PM. While I have no issue with people using it, there is ample room at the rear of the venue that isn’t close to residential areas.
‘It seems they simply didn’t consider the implications thoroughly enough.’
He mentioned that neither the residents nor the council’s planning officers ‘were not fully aware’ of the degree of noise that the tennis alternative would generate.
He went on to say, “The noise produced by the Padel racket is extremely loud,” adding, “this holds true regardless of all the yelling and cursing. The sound doesn’t stop; it goes on continuously throughout the entire day.”
I’m seated in the garden with my kids, hearing people curse. Men are making noise as they move about, so you have to go indoors and close the windows, yet occasionally their voices can still be heard from outside.
He mentioned that after lodging a complaint with the club, his only response was a series of “very nice” email replies, which did not prevent the issue from recurring.
It has been awful this year, things aren’t improving and seem to be deteriorating further,” he stated. “This situation requires more than just observation; the club needs to take action.
Peter Chilvers and his spouse reside in a home that features a garden adjacent to the Paddle courts. This arrangement frequently forces them to seek refuge indoors due to the noise.
The individual who is 81 years old stated: “I believe this is just a prank. The tennis club has been around for quite some time.”
It was once a great neighbor, but now they keep growing bigger and bigger.
Occasionally, you could encounter a loud coach, but that was just all part of the experience.
‘Padel might be beneficial for the world, but it doesn’t make things better between neighbors.’
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