Plans for padel courts at popular Leeds garden centre blocked by the council
Concerns were raised about noise and nearby trees
The installation of floodlit padel courts at a popular Leeds garden centre has been blocked by the council.
Leeds City Council refused a planning application for four courts at Garforth Garden Centre on Selby Road.
Council planners said more information was needed on how the applicant, Yorkshire Padel Ltd, would prevent noise affecting nearby homes.
Concerns were also raised over the impact on nearby trees, some of which were protected by a Tree Preservation Order.
Eighteen letters of support were received after an application was made for full planning permission.
One supporter commented: “The proposal would provide an additional sports and leisure facility within Garforth.”
Others said the proposal would boost sporting facilities and support the local economy.
Another said: “Padel is a rapidly growing sport and there is currently limited local provision.”
A council planner officer’s report said three formal letters of objection were also received.
One said: “Insufficient information has been provided regarding floodlighting and the potential impacts of light pollution.”
The proposal would have seen four courts built on land at the centre, along with floodlighting, fencing and lighting.
The applicant said the project would boost visitor numbers to the centre and promote health and well being.
LED floodlighting would be installed on the courts to enable evening padel games.
The council report said: “The proposal would provide additional leisure facilities within the locality and contribute towards opportunities for physical activity, health and well-being.”
But impact assessments would be needed to understand how the scheme would affect surrounding green belt land.
The report said: “The operation of padel courts has the potential to generate distinctive impulsive noise arising from player activity and repeated ball strikes against rackets, glass panels and enclosure structures.
“In the absence of a site-specific assessment, the local planning authority is unable to determine whether the proposal would result in unacceptable impacts on the living conditions of nearby residents.”