Retrospective planning permission for a padel court at Elcot Park Hotel goes before West Berkshire Council next week. Planners are recommending refusal, saying the site has no bus stop and the balls are too noisy.
Council officers argue the site lacks active travel and public transport options, so the development wont promote sustainable travel.
Thats despite written support from 63 people and the councils own shortage of padel facilities nearby.
Environmental health objects too, warning padel noise is different to tennis: frequent, sharp impacts from ball, racket and glass, with the semi-enclosed court reflecting and containing sound so it feels more repetitive and prominent.
The works were carried out already, converting an old tennis court to a padel court by replacing netting with clear glass walls and adding benches and parasols.
The current application asks for temporary permission for 24 months.
The councils conservation officer says the conversion "has not materially altered the setting of house given the similarity of the structure" and raised no objection to retention.
The case goes to the western area planning committee next Wednesday.
Niki Hinman, Local Democracy Reporter
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