An application for four new temporary padel courts in Chelsea has been refused.
The proposals would have brought four covered padel courts to a brownfield site next to an existing gym, on a 12-month temporary basis, as well as a small café and accessible toilets.
Kensington and Chelsea’s councillors decided to refuse the application at a Planning Applications Committee on Tuesday (October 20), despite council officers recommending the plans for approval.
KX Gym UK Limited was told that their plans for The Clearings, in Brompton Cross, did not have enough detail for councillors to approve the application.
This included details on how noise would impact nearby residents and the benefits to the community.
Local residents would have been able to book one of the courts for two days per week, without holding membership to the gym.
Councillor Walaa Idris, who is a ward councillor for the area, said: “I’m speaking tonight wearing two hats as a ward councillor and as a resident who knows this site and the community around it well.
“Let me be clear. I have nothing against padel. It is a popular and healthy sport.
“The question is whether this is the right use for this particular site and whether it is positive for our community. I do not believe it is.”
Over 80 people submitted letters in objection to the application, while four wrote in support of the plans.
The Executive Head of Primary School opposite the site said that the courts could create a problem with congestion along Draycott Avenue.
“I think that putting any more additional traffic along with the 20 taxi cabs that arrive for our SEND children alongside that would really cause a problem for us.
“And I think that that’s something that hasn’t really been understood by the planning applicant.”
Charlotte Jordan, acting as the planning agent for the applicant, said that the application would bring benefits to the local community.
“The proposal would bring with it a number of planning benefits. Firstly, active surveillance of a vacant and disused brownfield site,” she said.
“Secondly, economic vitality for the local area.
“And thirdly, provision of a valuable new sport facility accessible to borough residents, ensuring that the disused site provides positive community function during this interim period before the construction begins.”
