New padel courts have been given the thumbs up at a luxury sports club in Weybridge . Plans for the three semi-enclosed courts at St George's Hill Tennis Club were approved, despite neighbours saying the noise of “rowdy” players with hard rackets and balls will be "unbearable". The application was accepted by Elmbridge Borough Council (EBC) by eight votes to five on July 23.
Padel, a mix between tennis and squash, is usually played on an enclosed court surrounded by walls of glass and metallic mash. Rapidly growing in popularity over the last few years, it was put to the committee that the Luxury Tennis Club feared it may lose business as members were already going elsewhere to play padel. Speaking for the applicant, Planning and Development Surveyor Chris Lloyd advised it is vital for the exclusive club to adapt to members' requirements so it will not decrease in popularity.
Read more: Plans for new sports court in Guildford refused because 'players are too noisy' Read more: Plans for former Weybridge restaurant to become nursery - but busy road raises safety fears for kids St George's Hill Tennis Club has been dubbed as one of the UK's most exclusive tennis clubs with around a £1,728 membership fee per year, according to a Luxury Lifestyle Magazine. It sits to the north of the Hill as part of a premium housing development. But not all residents are in favour.
"Padel has no place in this beautiful residential area," said Justine Errington, a neighbour to the Tennis Club.