Magistrates' Court upholds nuisance finding over “explosive” noises from padel courts

Bromsgrove District Council served the notice in March last year, after residents living near the courts complained.

Padel has been described as one of the “fastest growing sports in Britain” by the national governing body for the sport, LTA Padel, which carried out research showing that the number of players doubled between 2024 and 2026.  

The racket sport takes place inside a court enclosed by glass. Players can bounce the ball against the glass walls as part of the game.

After investigating complaints from residents living near the courts in Bromsgrove, the council concluded that noise from the game made it difficult for nearby residents to relax in their homes or gardens.

The investigation saw specialist investigators from Worcestershire Regulatory Services (WRS) sent into the areas. These officers identified a statutory nuisance after carrying out noise monitoring, including visits to nearby homes and gathering statements, Bromsgrove said.

The club appealed the notice, but that appeal was rejected at Kidderminster Magistrates Court earlier this month (June).

The council said the District Judge heard evidence from noise experts appointed by both parties, before confirming that a nuisance did exist. The judge rejected the appeal on all grounds, according to Bromsgrove.

As a result, the club was ordered to pay the council’s legal costs arising from the appeal, agreed by both parties as £48,500.

Cllr Kit Taylor, whose portfolio at Bromsgrove District Council includes WRS, said: “The law requires the council to consider complaints and, where a statutory nuisance is identified, take appropriate measures to address it. Activities, however well intentioned, must not cause a level of disturbance to other residents that amounts to a statutory nuisance.”

A spokesperson for Barnt Green Sports Club, which runs the padel courts, said: “First and foremost, the two complaining neighbours are important to us. We value our place in the local community and the very last thing we want to do is cause inconvenience or distress to anyone living nearby.”

They claimed their noise levels occurring from the courts were not in excess of the planning approval, adding: “In addition, the club took proactive steps to minimise any impact on nearby residents, including reducing the operating hours of the padel courts to limit activity during early mornings and evenings, and installing signage encouraging considerate use of the facilities. Unfortunately, these measures were not considered sufficient.”

The club said costly mitigation measures will now have to be considered, including building a noise barrier that could cost in excess of £65,000.

Adam Carey