Planning Permission Secured for Padel Tennis Courts in the Green Belt
We are delighted to announce that planning permission has been granted for the Green Belt development of eight outdoor padel tennis courts near Addlestone in Surrey — a landmark success that reflects both the rising popularity of padel and the potential for high-quality recreational facilities to be delivered sensitively within the Green Belt.
Padel Tennis - A Bold Vision for Sport and Wellbeing
The approved development will see the transformation of an underused driving range into eight modern padel courts, each measuring 10m x 20m, with transparent enclosures and a light-touch canopy structure up to 6.2m in height.
To ensure the facility can operate in all weather conditions, the courts will be covered by a lightweight, transparent canopy structure. The canopy has been designed to be visually unobtrusive while providing essential protection from rain and adverse weather. This enables the courts to be used throughout the year, supporting consistent community access and maximising the health and wellbeing benefits of the development.
Located on the edge of the existing golf course, the scheme enhances the sporting offer of the golf club without expanding its footprint.
Importantly, it also brings an emerging and fast-growing sport to the area, promoting accessible outdoor physical activity in line with national and local health priorities.
Padel, a racket sport combining elements of tennis and squash, is booming in popularity across the UK. The proposal reflects this demand and positions the site as a hub for recreational activity — benefitting the local community while supporting the long-term viability of the golf club.
Navigating the Complexities of Green Belt Policy
Delivering new development in the Green Belt is always challenging.
National policy, as set out in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), imposes strict controls to preserve openness and prevent urban sprawl. Generally, the construction of new buildings in the Green Belt is considered inappropriate unless certain exceptions apply — one of which is the provision of “appropriate facilities for outdoor sport” that preserve openness and do not conflict with the purposes of the Green Belt.
While the courts themselves were judged to have a spatial impact on openness, a careful and evidence-led planning strategy demonstrated that this impact would be limited in visual terms.
The courts are screened by existing vegetation and earth bunds, sited adjacent to major roads and existing buildings, and use largely transparent materials to minimise bulk and visual intrusion.
Crucially, the courts are proposed on land already in sporting use, and no additional encroachment into countryside is required.
Overcoming Environmental and Technical Challenges
The scheme’s approval is not just a triumph of Green Belt planning — it also reflects our proactive approach to addressing other potential constraints.
One of the key issues to overcome was to demonstrate adequate biodiversity net gain. We responded decisively by submitting a Biodiversity Metric showing a 73% net gain in habitat units through on-site habitat creation — far exceeding the statutory 10% requirement.
Initial Noise concerns were also robustly addressed through a professional Noise Impact Assessment, which demonstrated that sound levels from the courts would fall well below existing ambient levels at the nearest receptors, including residential areas and a nearby cemetery.
The acoustic properties of the court structures, and the site’s location, played a key role in this assessment.
Finally, potential archaeological interest was acknowledged and managed through a condition requiring trial trenching — ensuring due regard to heritage while allowing development to proceed.
A Win for Healthy Lifestyles in the Green Belt
This Green Belt success demonstrates that with a robust evidence base, thoughtful design, and a clear planning strategy, high-quality sporting infrastructure can be delivered in sensitive locations.
The proposal aligns strongly with national and local policy goals around promoting physical activity, supporting community health, and making best use of existing recreational land.
As highlighted in the officer’s report, the scheme will contribute to the Council’s strategic aims of encouraging healthy lifestyles, promoting outdoor sport, and fostering inclusive access to facilities — all without material harm to local amenity or the character of the Green Belt.
Ready to Deliver Your Vision?
If you are considering development in the Green Belt — whether for sport, leisure, or community use — this case shows that success is possible with the right approach. Our team specialises in navigating complex planning environments, balancing innovation with policy compliance.
Get in touch to discuss how we can help unlock your project.
