A millionaire's bid to build a flood-lit padel court in his garden has been refused by local authorities after neighbours raised concerns about noise and visual intrusion. Paul Woods, 52, an IT entrepreneur, had planned to install the court at his £4million property in the upmarket Branksome Park area of Poole, Dorset.
Neighbours Celebrate Council Decision
Residents of the affluent neighbourhood have expressed relief after BCP Council rejected the planning application. The court would have been surrounded by 14ft tall steel mesh fencing and tempered glass, along with four 20ft tall floodlights. Neighbours feared the 'piercing' noise from balls hitting solid rackets would disrupt the peace of the conservation area.
Planning Officer's Findings
Planning officer Emma Woods determined that the development would erode the 'spacious, verdant and sylvan character' of the Branksome Park Conservation Area. She described it as 'overly urbanised and visually intrusive'. The council's conservation officer also noted the padel court was a 'particularly harmful element of the scheme'.
Floodlights and Noise Concerns
The tall floodlights were criticised for introducing 'visual clutter' during the day and eroding the 'dark, tranquil qualities' of the area at night. One neighbour commented, 'I am pleased it has been refused, that is good news and the right decision.'
Local councillor Gavin Wright, who had been approached by residents, stated, 'I wouldn't want to live next to a padel court because they are incredibly noisy. Padel is a great game but it has to be in the right place such as a tennis club, not in a residential area because of the repetitive noise.'
Padel's Growing Popularity
Padel is the world's fastest growing sport, with over 25 million players globally. Unlike tennis, padel rackets are solid with no strings, producing a loud noise when striking the ball. Neighbours had previously expressed fears that the garden would become a 'boys' club' for Woods and his friends.
The application did receive some letters of support, but the council ultimately refused it. A spokesperson for Woods' architects said they are due to meet next week to discuss the option of appealing the decision.
