What is the status of padel courts in Bath?

Despite the growing popularity of padel, the city of Bath has rejected plans to build new courts due to noise concerns from local residents.

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Bath Rejects Padel Courts Amid Resident Uproar Over 'Gunfire' Noise

Q: How did Bath residents react to the proposed padel courts?

Residents, such as 77-year-old Melvyn Caldwell, strongly opposed the plans, describing the sound of padel as akin to "Chinese water torture" and even worse than a "firefight." One resident even threatened to leave Bath if the courts were approved.

Q: What was the outcome of the padel court proposal in Bath?

The planning committee ultimately rejected the plans for the padel courts, citing concerns over the "gunfire-like" noise the sport would generate. A revised application for the sports complex, sans padel courts, is currently under consideration.

16 Nov

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Summary

Padel, world's fastest-growing sport, denied entry to Bath
Locals complain planned courts would create 'Chinese water torture' noise
Retired residents vow to leave town if courts are built

Bath Rejects Padel Courts Amid Resident Uproar Over 'Gunfire' Noise

As of November 16th, 2025, the city of Bath, UK, has firmly rejected plans to build new padel courts, much to the delight of local residents. Padel, a fast-growing racquet sport founded in Mexico in 1969, has been gaining popularity across Britain, with councils inundated with applications to construct new courts. However, Bath has bucked the trend, with the planning committee citing concerns over the "gunfire-like" noise the sport would generate.

Locals, such as 77-year-old Melvyn Caldwell, have vehemently opposed the proposed courts, describing the sound of padel as akin to "Chinese water torture" and even worse than a "firefight." One resident, a woman who had previously fled Spain due to the noise from a neighboring padel court, threatened to leave Bath if the plans were approved. The planning inspector ultimately agreed with the council's decision, stating that the sport's "noisier volleys and faster cadence of ball impact" would be too disruptive for nearby homeowners.