News / Padel

Health club built padel courts without permission 

By Mia Vines Booth  Thursday Feb 15, 2024

A European health club worth millions has built padel courts in Bristol without planning permission.

David Lloyd Leisure built two new padel courts at its site on Greystoke Avenue in Westbury-on-Trym last year on land next to its tennis court at the club. David Lloyd also has clubs in Emersons Green and Long Ashton.

But Bristol24/7 has found that the health club, owned by investment firm, TDR Capital, has not applied for planning permission at its Westbury site in Bristol.

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Residents say the construction of the new courts impacts local wildlife and residents’ privacy, but the club told Bristol24/7 they “will work with the (Bristol City) council to ensure that there is no negative impact on the local community”.

David Lloyd built two padel courts, a social area and flood lighting in December last year, all of which require planning permission.

David Lloyd has three clubs across the Bristol area, and opened the padel courts at its Westbury-on-Trym site last year

The company submitted a retrospective planning application to Bristol City Council for its Westbury site on January 15, through planning and development consultant Lichfields.

In the application, Lichfield said: “David Lloyd Leisure Limited did not initially apply for planning permission, as the development is sited on an existing tennis court, with padel being a short form of tennis.

“We have spoken with David Lloyd and agreed that a retrospective application is, however, required.”

The retrospective planning application has since received a number of objections from local residents, who have complained about the noise, flood lighting and the padel courts’ impact on the biodiversity of the area.

In one objection, a resident said: “While I understand the need for adequate lighting for safety and visibility during play, it is crucial that the brightness of these lights does not negatively impact the surrounding environment and local residents.

“The excessive lighting is leading to light pollution, disturbing local wildlife and causing discomfort for nearby residents, particularly during evening hours.

“Currently it is disturbing my quality of life. This is most prevalent when the lights are left on beyond 10pm (when the club closes) and my bedroom for sleeping is lit from these powerful lamps.

They added: “The removal of plants and trees for the construction of the courts has led to increased noise levels and a lack of privacy. These green barriers not only provide a natural sound buffer but also enhance the privacy of the pool area adjacent.”

Residents say the construction of the new padel courts has removed part of the hedgerow and trees that act as a wildlife corridor and noise buffer for residents

An objection from the Westbury on Trym Society added: “What appears to have happened is that the padel courts occupy a larger area than the former tennis court involving the removal of trees and vegetation.

“According to your file there is a tree preservation order on the site, so this is very poor behaviour.”

“We would expect at the very least a replanting scheme and replacement of the trees lost in accordance with the tree replacement standard.”

David Lloyd Clubs has operated for over 30 years across Europe, with 100 clubs in the UK and a further 24 abroad. The company is owned by TDR Capital, and is projected to be worth £2bn.

A spokesperson from David Lloyd Clubs said “At David Lloyd Clubs we are committed to our members, ensuring that we make a positive impact on the communities and environment in which we operate.

“The padel courts at the Westbury Club will enhance our existing facilities and offer our members an opportunity to take up this fast-growing and exciting sport.

“The application is supported by a detailed External Lighting Report and Lighting Design Plan which shows that the flood lighting installed in association with the padel tennis courts is significantly lower in height and more directional than any equivalent lighting that would have been placed on the existing tennis courts.

“We have commissioned further studies on noise and will work with the Council to ensure that there is no negative impact on the local community.”

All photos: Mia Vines Booth

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