In most cases, yes, you will need planning permission to build a padel court in the UK. While every project is different, local planning authorities usually require an application because padel courts involve permanent structures, fencing, glass walls, lighting and changes to how land is used. Whether you are building on school grounds, rural land, a golf course or at a leisure centre, planning permission is often one of the first steps in the development process.
Padel is one of the fastest-growing sports in the UK. The Lawn Tennis Association reported a 300% increase in the number of courts between 2020 and 2023, while the total number of UK courts in 2026 has now exceeded 1,000. This rapid growth has led to an increasing number of planning applications across the country. Read the LTA’s guide on planning permission for padel courts here.
Why Do Padel Courts Need Planning Permission?
A padel court is more than just a sports surface. Most courts include glass panels, steel mesh fencing that can reach 3 to 4 metres in height, floodlighting and access routes. These features can affect nearby residents, traffic levels and the appearance of an area.
Planning officers will often consider factors such as noise, lighting, parking, visual impact and operating hours. Even where sports facilities already exist, the addition of padel courts can create new planning considerations because the sport generates different usage patterns compared to tennis.
Noise has become one of the most common planning concerns. Several proposed developments around the UK have faced objections from nearby residents because of the distinctive sound created by rackets and glass walls.
Building a Padel Court at a School
Schools are increasingly looking at padel courts as a way to improve sports facilities and create additional income outside school hours.
Although schools already operate sports facilities, planning permission may still be required for new padel courts. Local authorities will want to assess issues such as floodlighting, community use, traffic and the impact on neighbouring properties.
Applications on school sites are often viewed more favourably than completely new developments because sport and recreation are already established uses. However, every site is assessed on its own merits and approval is never guaranteed. See building a padel court for schools.
Building a Padel Court on Rural Land
Rural land presents both opportunities and challenges for padel court developers.
If agricultural land is being converted into a sports facility, planning permission will almost always be required because it involves a change of land use. Local councils may also consider the impact on the countryside, local roads, biodiversity and nearby residents.
However, many farmers are now exploring padel courts as a diversification opportunity. Growing demand for courts and strong rental income have encouraged some landowners to convert unused buildings and underutilised areas into sports facilities.
Projects located within existing agricultural buildings may sometimes have alternative planning routes available, but professional planning advice is recommended before any investment is made. See building a padel court on farmland.
Can Golf Courses Build Padel Courts?
Golf clubs are among the most common locations for new padel courts in the UK.
Many golf clubs already have established leisure and sporting use, which can make planning applications more straightforward than starting a completely new facility. Existing parking, access roads and clubhouse facilities can also support a planning application.
However, golf clubs are not automatically exempt from planning requirements. Councils will still assess lighting, noise, visual impact and any additional traffic generated by the development. Floodlit courts and extended opening hours often receive particular attention during the planning process.
Many successful padel developments have been delivered within existing sports clubs because the sporting use of the site is already established. See padel leasing for golf courses.
Building a Padel Court at a Leisure Centre
Leisure centres are another popular location for padel courts because they already attract people looking to participate in sport and exercise.
Adding padel courts to an existing leisure centre can often strengthen a planning application because it enhances an established recreational facility. Councils may see this as a positive way to increase sports participation within the local community.
Even so, planning permission may still be required for outdoor courts, new lighting systems, canopies or additional buildings. The scale of the development and its impact on surrounding properties will remain important considerations.
How Long Does Planning Permission Take?
The planning process varies between local authorities, but a standard planning application is often determined within eight to twelve weeks. More complex projects may take longer, especially if additional surveys or consultations are required.
Developments that receive objections relating to noise, lighting or traffic can experience delays while councils assess the concerns raised by local residents.
For larger commercial projects, many developers choose to undertake pre-application discussions with the local authority before submitting a full application.
Conclusion
If you are planning to build a padel court in the UK, it is safest to assume that planning permission will be required. Whether the court is located at a school, on rural land, at a golf course or within a leisure centre, local authorities will usually assess the impact of the development before granting approval.
As padel continues to grow rapidly across the UK, more planning applications are being submitted each year. By considering noise, lighting, access and site design at an early stage, developers can improve their chances of securing approval and bringing a successful padel project to life.