Four padel tennis courts at Tennis And Volley Ball Court Canoe Lake Southsea Esplanade, Southsea

The site and surroundings

The site contains existing courts beside public paths and open spaces, within the Seafront Conservation Area and Southsea Common’s listed park and garden.

“The application site currently comprises two all-weather tennis courts and adjacent basketball and netball courts. It is accessed via a north–south pedestrian route linking Eastern Parade with Eastney Esplanade, and an east-west path from Canoe Lake. The site is accessible on foot and by bike. Public transport is available in the form of the nos. 1 and 2 bus routes, approximately 470m and 700m walk away.”

“The site is situated at the eastern edge of the Seafront Conservation Area (No. 10) and within Southsea Common, a Grade II listed Park and Garden. To the north and north-west of the site are the 'Court X' premises, including an art trail and several tennis courts. The nearest residential properties are located approximately 80 metres to the north on Eastern Parade.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

An earlier application for footpath realignment, putting green fencing, landscaping and a play area was granted in 1988.

“- Public - 4.1 A*33965/AA RE-ALIGNMENT OF FOOTPATHS, NEW PUTTING GREEN FENCING & LANDS CAPING & CONSTRUCTION OF NEW PLAY AREA - Granted 19.09.1988”

Officer report

Officers’ assessment

Officers found acceptable effects on leisure provision, neighbours, transport, trees and biodiversity, while public benefits outweighed heritage harm.

“Taking into consideration the advice contained within Section 16 of the NPPF, in particular paras. 212, 213 and 215, and the Conservation Officer's comments, it is considered that the proposals would result in less than substantial harm to the heritage assets. Applying the guidance in para. 215, this harm should be weighed against the public benefits of the proposal including, where appropriate, securing its optimum viable use.”

“The proposal would result in 'less than substantial' harm to the significance of the Southsea Seafront Conservation Area and the setting of the Scheduled Monument Lumps Fort. This harm arises from changes to character, appearance and openness; however, it is moderate in nature and does not approach the high threshold of substantial harm as defined by national policy.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Highways, ecology, regulatory services, conservation, Sport England and arboriculture officers raised no objection, subject to specified controls or conditions.

“Hampshire Ecology No objection subject to the following: i. During the overwintering bird period which runs from October to March, the construction works should not produce noise levels more than 69 dB LAF Max along the boundary of the SW&BG habitat to the east.”

“Regulatory Services No objection, having seen the originally submitted proposals and the later-submitted noise and light report.”

Officer report

Residents’ views

Fourteen representations objected and forty-seven supported, with concerns about tranquillity, noise, lighting, wildlife and heritage alongside support for leisure and health benefits.

“Sixty-one representations have been received in respect of the proposals. Fourteen object to the scheme. Forty-seven are in support.”

“- Public - • Padel courts may disrupt the tranquillity of the area; • The noise and lighting may disrupt the local wildlife, particularly birds and bats, and geese; • The comments in support come largely from people who do not live in the vicinity and are likely club members/supporters; • Impact on the heritage assets; • Light impact and noise impact on the heritage assets and residential amenity; • The number of lights appears excessive; • Alternative locations in the north…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The meeting heard from an objector, the applicant and a supporter before members questioned officers about the proposal.

What members debated

Members discussed lighting, noise, alternative layouts, quiet park areas, ecological effects, sporting benefits, regeneration and the operator’s management record.

“Members' Comments Members raised concerns regarding the potential impact of lighting and noise on nearby residents and users of the adjacent rose gardens and open space. Particular attention was drawn to the cumulative effect of sports noise, including the distinctive characteristics of padel tennis.”

“Some Members emphasised the importance of maintaining quiet, contemplative areas within the park, noting the proximity of the rose gardens and Japanese garden.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee resolved to grant conditional planning permission.

“RESOLVED that conditional planning permission was granted.”

Minutes

Permission conditions

The permission includes controls on construction timing, tree protection, lighting appearance and operation, playing surface colour and the approved lighting scheme.

“Lighting columns finish The lighting columns hereby approved shall be finished in a dark green colour (or alternative dark recessive colour) to be first approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority and shall thereafter be retained as such for the lifetime of the development.”

“Playing surface finish The padel court playing surface hereby approved shall be finished in moss green (RAL6005) unless otherwise agreed in writing and shall thereafter be retained as such for the lifetime of the development. Reason: In the interests of visual amenity and to ensure the development integrates appropriately within its heritage surroundings, in accordance with PCS23 of the Portsmouth Plan (2012) and PLP53 of the emerging Portsmouth Local Plan (2025-2040).”

Officer report