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23
Sept
Council issues verdict on padel courts at Harrogate's David Lloyd
Retrospective plans to install two padel courts and an outdoor training area at David Lloyd in Harrogate have been refused.
The company last month submitted plans for the facilities, which are already in use at the Oakdale Place site, to North Yorkshire Council.
It sought approval to convert an existing tennis court into the two padel courts – which were opened in December 2023 – as well as to create a social area, and to operate its Battle Box facility.
Battle Box is an outdoor fitness class adopted by David Lloyd Clubs. A branded shipping container, which acts as the base of the class, contains battle ropes, climbing obstacles and other equipment used during the classes.
But the council has refused both applications.
The padel court application received 63 objections, some of which also voiced their concerns over the Battle Box facility, as people complained about noise levels and the impact on ecology.
According to a council report, the principal ecologist said strong lighting can deter bats and the use of floodlights, which would be used to light up the padel courts, could have an “impact on species that are light averse”.
Harrogate Town Council, which objected to both applications, also raised concerns over the potential impact on wildlife and “intrusive lighting”.
The council, which is a statutory consultee, said its objection to the padel courts was based on “significant community impact due to excessive noise, lack of public consultation and failure to integrate with the residential setting”.
Objecting to the Battle Box plans, Harrogate Town Council said:
Harrogate Town Council objects to the application on the basis of its impact on residential amenity and the surrounding community. The council notes significant concerns raised by members of the public about the validity of the submitted noise impact assessment, particularly as it may not reflect actual use patterns or peak activity periods of the Battle Box facility.
North Yorkshire Council's report also said objectors likened the sound of padel balls being hit to “gunshots” and said the balls “crashing” against the sides of the court only added to the noise levels.
People also claimed the padel courts led to a “loss of the peaceful enjoyment of homes and gardens”, as they were forced to “close their windows to relax”.
An example of a traditional padel court, uploaded in support of the plans.
However, the plans also received 45 comments of support.
Supporters felt the courts would lead to improved physical and mental wellbeing, and encouraged people to spend time in the fresh air.
The padel courts would also combat obesity, stress and social isolation, and offer families and friends the chance to play sport together, they added.
Supporters also felt the facilities would contribute to the local economy.
However, in its decision notice, the council refused the padel courts application on two grounds.
It said the noise assessment submitted in support of the plans “is not considered to sufficiently account for the impacts created by the padel courts”.
It also cited the residents who have been “negatively impacted” by the noise levels generated from the padel courts.
The council added:
Suitable mitigation measures have not been put in place to ensure the protected species have been sufficiently safeguarded during the continued operation of the retrospective development.
The council had not uploaded a separate report on the Battle Box facility plans at the time of publication, but it refused the application on one ground: nearby residents have been “negatively impacted” by noise generated by repeated use of gym equipment and “raised voices from instructors associated with the high-intensity outdoor workout facility”.
An example of a Battle Box in use, uploaded in support of David Lloyd's plans.
‘We are continuing operations as usual’
The Stray Ferret approached David Lloyd Clubs for comment.
A spokesperson said:
We are aware of the recent decisions regarding the planning applications at our Harrogate club. We are working closely with the local authority and our consultants to understand the next steps and will keep our members updated as soon as we have further clarity.
In the meantime, we are continuing operations as usual. We greatly value being part of the Harrogate community and are fully committed to ensuring our activities do not cause disruption.
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