Three padel courts and clubhouse at Frithville Gardens, London W12

What was proposed

The application proposed replacing sheds and a warehouse with three padel courts, converting an office into a clubhouse and adding toilet facilities.

“- The change of use of the existing two-storey office building (Class E) into a clubhouse (Class F2) associated with the Padel Courts, and a single-storey extension to this building to create toi- let facilities.”

“The applicant is 'Padel Xtra Ltd', who partner with sports clubs, real estate operators and lei- sure providers to build and operate padel courts. The proposed padel courts and facilities would be available for use by members of Padel Xtra and the general public, including school/commu- nity programs.”

Officer report

The site

The vacant site was formerly used for storage, distribution and offices, with access beneath a railway arch and heritage assets nearby.

“This planning application relates to a plot of land owned by Transport for London (TfL), which is located to the west of Macfarlane Road and to the east of Frithville Gardens. The site is currently vacant, with the previous usage consisting of Class B8 (storage and distribution) and Class E (commercial, business and service). The B8 usage consisted of a warehouse building (269 sqm) and outdoor open yard (1,114sqm).”

“Access to the application site is via the north-western side of Macfarlane Road, underneath the existing London Underground railway arch. There is an existing electricity substation directly to the south of the warehouse building, however the substation lies outside of the application site.”

Officer report

Planning history

There was no relevant planning history for the site.

“There is no relevant planning history relating to the application site.”

Officer report

What people said

Fifteen representations were received: twelve objections concerned noise, disturbance, overlooking, consultation, character and visual impact, while three supported the scheme.

“The application was publicised by means of a press notice and site notice as well as individ- ual letters sent to neighbouring occupants (314 letters sent). A total of 15 representations (12 objections and 3 in support) have been received.”

“- The introduction of three padel courts would generate a harmful level of noise and disturbance for surrounding residential properties. The temporary marquee structure proposed would appear insufficient to contain the generated noise;”

Officer report

Who spoke

Neil Egerton gave a presentation, and there were no registered speakers.

The committee vote

The committee unanimously supported both officer recommendations, with no votes against and nobody not voting.

“The Committee voted on the officer recommendations for approval as follows:”

Minutes

The decision

Permission was authorised subject to a satisfactory legal agreement, the listed conditions and changes in the Addendum.

“That the Executive Director for Place be authorised to grant planning permission upon the completion of a satisfactory legal agreement and subject to the conditions listed in the report and changes in the Addendum.”

“That the Executive Director for Place, after consultation with the Assistant Director, Legal Services and the Chair of the Planning and Development Control Committee be authorised to make any minor changes to the proposed Heads of Terms of the legal agreement or proposed conditions, which may include the variation, addition, or deletion of conditions, any such changes shall be within their discretion.”

Minutes