Residents slam Eastleigh leisure centre plan for padel courts

Places Leisure Eastleigh have put forward proposals for four padel courts.

Bosses at the leisure centre said they were keen to add to the existing offering, which include four floodlit tennis courts – over-marked with three netball courts – three floodlit five-a-side areas, and one full-size pitch.

The construction of four padel courts with an open-sided canopy “represents an improvement to existing sporting and recreational facilities at the leisure centre”, developers said.

However, the plans, which were submitted in July, have now attracted a wave of opposition from residents in the area.

READ MORE: Leisure centre lodges plans to build outdoor padel courts

The field at Places Leisure Eastleigh (Image: Google Maps)

Padel is a form of tennis played on an enclosed court around a third of the size of a standard tennis court, and is the fastest growing sport in the world, according to the Lawn Tennis Association.

Neighbours cited fears over the levels of noise caused by the court while others say the green near Fleming Park should not be used.

Resident Jean Turner of Passfield Avenue said: “I strongly object to the loss of green space this development will cause. I was also puzzled to see the site address as Places Leisure rather than Fleming Park?

“Some of us in Passfield Avenue overlook the car park but this is compensated by the view of the green grass beyond.

“This development will block that view. The car park is not sufficient to cope with any more traffic.

“As it is cars frequently travel round and round the car park waiting for a space to become available.”

Steve Symmonds, of the same road questioned: “Has a noise assessment been done? From what I read padel is a very noisy sport resulting in many complaints from residents who live nearby.

“Plus this is being built on an area already reserved for a grass pitch. This should not be permitted given it has been allocated for grass not concrete-based court and canopy.”

Colin Brassington added: “This is a green open area, meant as parkland or playing fields. It is not designated for hard courts and not for tall major structures.

“Fleming Park and the surrounding green areas must be protected now and for future generations.”

One resident though, Sam Goodwin approved of the plans.

He said: “I think this would be a great addition to Fleming Park.

“And [we] can play in winter, brilliant!”

A decision will be made by the council on September 18.