Decision on Warwick club's controversial padel plans expected next week
By James Smith 13th May 2026
Councillors will next week decide whether to allow a Warwick sports club to have padel courts in place permanently.
Warwick Boat Club was last year given temporary permission to keep a 'pop up' court which it installed without permission.
The planning committee at Warwick District Council (WDC) allowed the court to stay in place until March 2026 as neighbours complained about the potential noise impact.
A fresh application for the Banbury Road club has since been submitted to install three padel courts over two of its existing tennis courts.
Next week councillors will vote on the full application, with a council report recommending it be approved.
"The proposed development is considered to have an acceptable impact on the character and appearance of the area, nearby listed buildings and the surrounding conservation area when considering the specific context of the application site as an established sports facility.
"The amended proposal is also considered to have an acceptable impact on the amenity of neighbouring uses, subject to the imposition of specific conditions which will secure that the development is carried out in accordance with the submitted details and specifications.
"Finally, the proposed scheme is considered to be acceptable from a parking, ecological and flood risk perspective."
The application has split local opinion with 25 residents objecting to the scheme on the grounds of noise, impact on the conservation area and the lighting.
Warwick Town Council has also objected to the proposals on the grounds of light and noise.
Ten locals have written in support of the application, saying it will be a benefit to the local community.
Since the application was first submitted, the plans have been updated to include a barrier to reduce the noise.
The council's report continued: "Over the course of the application, the proposal has been amended to include the addition of a Perspex acoustic screen, which will be situated towards the southern elevation of the site.
"Objectors have commented how the inclusion of the proposed acoustic barrier will have an additional harmful impact on the character and appearance of the conservation area.
"However, officers note that the acoustic barrier will be the same height as the existing perimeter fencing and owing to the chosen Perspex finish will be transparent, thus reducing the visual impact of this aspect of the proposed development.
"As such, its introduction is considered to have an acceptable impact upon the character of the immediate locality."
Last year the club said it needed the new facilities to help diversify its offering and boost revenues.
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