Winchester Racquets and Fitness (WRF), an upmarket sports club in Hampshire, expects to be served with a noise abatement notice following complaints from neighbours about noise from its padel courts. Residents living in nearby £1m homes have likened the sound of hard-hit balls striking glass panels and chainlink fences to gunshots.
The club, which dates back to 1910, currently has three padel courts used by members paying an annual fee of £161. Plans to add more courts last year sparked a backlash, leading Winchester City Council to investigate. A council environmental officer concluded that the noise from bat on ball constitutes a noise issue.
Peter Russell, 75, whose home is just 3.5 metres from two tennis courts, said he would take the matter to the Supreme Court if necessary. He claimed the padel noise makes life intolerable and would devalue his property. John Colley, 53, added that players often shout and use foul language, and the racket sound is constant throughout the day.
In a message to members, WRF stated it has been formally advised that notices will be served under section 80 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, likely by the end of the month. The club would then have six months to show intent to comply. Despite the opposition, WRF intends to increase the number of padel courts while mitigating noise levels.
