Noise, Neighbours and New Courts
Across the UK, landowners are rethinking what’s possible with their land - and padel is quickly becoming one of the most exciting answers.
It’s no longer just a trend. Padel is the fastest-growing sport in the UK, and for landowners, rural businesses, and club operators, it’s a serious opportunity. From disused tennis courts and empty paddocks to hardstanding next to farm shops, underused space is being turned into vibrant, community-driven padel courts.
But with rapid growth comes a few misconceptions — especially when it comes to noise.
Why Landowners Are Investing in Padel
At Padel Magic UK, we work with all kinds of sites: some purpose-built, many not. We’re installing and supporting courts on:
Redundant tennis courts
Concrete yards and car parks
Unused farm land and flat grass areas
Behind barns, garden centres, golf clubs and more
Here’s why it works so well:
A padel court takes up just a third of a tennis court
Groundworks can be minimal, especially with innovative systems like Magic Base
Planning permission can often be easier where land has existing or previous use
Return on investment (ROI) can be achieved in 1–3 years
Padel drives repeat bookings and footfall, even in rural areas
For landowners looking to diversify, it’s an efficient, scalable solution that supports everything from solo ventures to community-led hubs.
But What About the Noise?
As padel courts continue to appear across the UK, some venues are encountering pushback — often from residents who aren’t yet familiar with the sport. It’s true that padel has its own distinct energy: the sound of the ball being hit, the echo of glass walls, and the lively, social atmosphere on court.
This week, the conversation reached BBC Radio 2’s Jeremy Vine Show, where listeners weighed in with passionate views on either side.
One caller described the sound as “like the gunfire of the Battle of the Somme.” A touch dramatic — but a good reminder that unfamiliar things can sometimes spark strong reactions.
Another caller, also elderly, offered a completely different perspective:
A court had been built near their home and, initially, they weren’t sure what to make of it. But after giving it a try, they now play regularly — and love it.
Their advice? “Just give it a go!”
The show also featured a club owner who passionately defended the sport’s sense of community, inclusivity and fun — all of which perfectly reflect what we see in the venues we support.
Padel brings people together — often in unexpected ways.
So, what’s really going on and how can you make an informed decision as a landowner?
Noise Mitigation Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All. And It Shouldn’t Be
Yes, padel generates noise — but that doesn’t mean it’s inappropriate for rural or residential locations. Like any outdoor sport, it comes down to placement, design, and communication.
Here’s how we support this at Padel Magic UK:
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We’ll help identify the most suitable design and orientation.
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Including how to prepare applications with potential objections in mind.
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We’ll provide options (and install) suitable buffers to reduce sound travel.
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Our options like Magic Base reduce the need for heavy groundwork and disruption.
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Optional extras can help with both weather and acoustic containment.
From Planning to Play: Supporting Landowners at Every Stage
If you’re not sure whether your land is suitable, or whether padel is worth the investment, that’s exactly the kind of conversation we have every week. Talk to us today.
We’ve guided farmers, golf clubs, estate owners and leisure operators through the process of adding padel — often starting with nothing more than a question and a patch of unused ground.
We don’t just install courts. We help build:
Clear business cases
Long-term community value
Flexible solutions (including rental or phased installation)
Full-service delivery, from design to booking systems and beyond
Final Thought
Padel is growing for a reason. It’s inclusive, exciting, and built around community. But like any new addition to the landscape, it brings questions — and that’s OK!
The key is working with a team who understands the bigger picture, and who can help you do it right from the start.
Want to explore the potential of your land? Let’s talk.
