But planners for Norwich City Council, which approved the bid, said East Anglia Tennis and Squash Club will only be allowed to operate the court between specific hours.
The club has had its plans for a third padel court approved (Image: Newsquest) The council said the court on Lime Tree Road can only be used between 9am and 8pm from Monday to Friday. However, on Saturdays it can run only between 9am and 5pm, and on Sundays and Bank Holidays between 10.30am and 4:30pm.
This, states the council report, is to ensure neighbours are: “Not adversely affected by the development proposed through unacceptable levels of noise and disturbance.”
Since the plans were lodged by the tennis club, it has caused quite the ruckus among neighbours living near the facility.
Many people living on Plantsman Close, which is only metres away from where the padel court is set to be built, said they had received a letter from someone who claimed the sound of padel being played was akin to hearing a “gunshot”.
Erin Riches, 45, who also received the letter, said: “I’m just worried that the padel would be louder than the tennis.”
Erin was concerned the sport would be louder than tennis (Image: Newsquest) Some people, however, are not as worried about the potential racket.
Ann West, 87, whose home overlooks the back of the tennis club, said: “I’m very happy with them. I don’t understand people complaining about them.
Ann West supported the plans (Image: Newsquest) “It’s a pleasant noise in the area.”
The club’s application for courts is the second one it has had approved by the council.
It means the club now has permission to build three padel courts in total, making it one of many spots across the city where the rapidly growing sport can be played.
Most recently, Padel Point opened two courts at Norfolk Premier Golf in Blofield.