Court upholds nuisance finding over local padel noise

A sports club has lost an appeal against a formal Notice to reduce noise from its padel courts, following complaints from nearby residents.

A Noise Nuisance Abatement Notice was served on the club, in Bromsgrove District, and its directors, in March 2025, after ‘explosive and unpredictable’ noise from padel throughout the day was found to be a statutory nuisance, making it difficult for nearby residents to relax in their homes or gardens.

The club had shortened its padel sessions and appealed against the Notice, but that appeal was rejected at Kidderminster Magistrates Court earlier this month (June).

The Notice was issued following complaints about the noise to Bromsgrove District Council, whose specialist investigators from Worcestershire Regulatory Services (WRS) identified a statutory nuisance after carrying out extensive noise monitoring, including visits to nearby homes and gathering statements.

After hearing evidence from noise experts appointed by both parties, the District Judge confirmed that a nuisance did exist and rejected the appeal on all grounds, commenting that the club could have taken further measures to comply with the Notice. As a result, the club was ordered to pay the council’s legal costs arising from the appeal, agreed by both parties as £48,500.

The council will continue to work with the club to find a solution that does not cause a statutory nuisance.

Cllr Kit Taylor, whose portfolio at Bromsgrove District Council includes WRS, said: “The law requires the council to consider complaints and, where a statutory nuisance is identified, take appropriate measures to address it. Activities, however well intentioned, must not cause a level of disturbance to other residents that amounts to a statutory nuisance.”