Kensington and Chelsea councillors have refused an application for four temporary padel courts in Chelsea, despite council officers recommending approval. The decision was made at a Planning Applications Committee meeting on Tuesday, October 20.
The proposal, submitted by KX Gym UK Limited, sought to bring four covered padel courts to a brownfield site next to an existing gym in Brompton Cross, known as The Clearings. The plans also included a small café and accessible toilets, with the courts intended to operate on a 12-month temporary basis.
Reasons for refusal
The committee determined that the application lacked sufficient detail on how noise would affect nearby residents and what benefits the development would bring to the community. These gaps were central to the refusal, even though planning officers had recommended the plans for approval.
Councillor Walaa Idris, ward councillor for the area, spoke against the application, citing her dual perspective as both a councillor and a resident. “I'm speaking wearing two hats as a ward councillor and as a resident who knows this site and the community around it well,” she said.
“Let me be clear. I have nothing against padel. It is a popular and healthy sport. The question is whether this is the right use for this particular site and whether it is positive for our community. I do not believe it is,” Idris added.
Local opposition and support
More than 80 people submitted letters objecting to the application, while only four wrote in support. The level of opposition was a notable factor in the committee's deliberations.
The executive head of a primary school opposite the site raised concerns about traffic congestion along Draycott Avenue. They stated: “I think that putting any more additional traffic along with the 20 taxi cabs that arrive for our SEND children alongside that would really cause a problem for us. And I think that's something that hasn't really been understood by the planning applicant.”
The proposal had included a provision that local residents could book one of the courts for two days per week without holding a gym membership, which was intended to offer some community access.
Applicant's arguments
Charlotte Jordan, acting as the planning agent for the applicant, argued that the development would deliver several benefits. “The proposal would bring with it a number of planning benefits. Firstly, active surveillance of a vacant and disused brownfield site,” she said.
“Secondly, economic vitality for the local area. And thirdly, provision of a valuable new sport facility accessible to borough residents, ensuring that the disused site provides positive community function during this interim period before the construction begins,” Jordan added.
Despite these arguments, the committee sided with the objectors and refused the application. The decision means the site will remain in its current state for now, pending any future planning applications.
