Four-court padel centre at The London Cancer Hub, Sutton

What was proposed

A seven-year temporary padel centre would provide four courts, cabins, parking, cycle storage, landscaping, boundary treatment and floodlights.

“DM2025/00336 THE LONDON CANCER HUB COTSWOLD ROAD SUTTON SM2 5NG The Committee considered a report on the above application for a 7-year temporary change of use of the site from former hospital (Class C2-residential institutions) to a Padel Sports Centre (Class F.2 (c) - (Areas or places for outdoor sport or recreation).”

Minutes

Noise and lighting concerns

Members focused on possible noise and light pollution from the outdoor court, while officers said the noise assessment was approved and conditions provided protection.

“In debate, the committee discussed concerns about noise and light pollution from the open court. However, the committee also noted the likely social, health and wellbeing benefits of physical activity particularly for local residents, NHS staff and patients who would benefit from preferential provision.”

“It was noted that the Environmental Health Team had approved the noise assessment and had recommended no mitigation and that some level of protection was given by the conditions. The committee debated possible conditions of a cover on the open court and reduced operating hours.”

Minutes

Transport and environmental matters

Highways officers raised no objection, and the proposal was considered acceptable subject to conditions covering parking, cycles, drainage, biodiversity, trees and fire safety.

“Public transport is therefore a fairly viable option for trips generated by the proposals. The Council’s Senior Highways Engineer raised no objection to the proposal and the submitted Transport Assessment. The Transport Assessment states that the proposals would generate 12 two-way vehicle movements per hour when the padel centre is operating at a peak.”

“DM2025/00336 The London Cancer Hub, Cotswold Road, Sutton, SM2 5NG 7.40 Overall, subject to these recommended conditions, the proposal is acceptable in sustainability terms, in accordance with Policy 32 of the Sutton Local Plan 2018. H. Fire Safety Strategy 7.41 Policy D12 of the London Plan 2021 requires all developments to meet the highest levels of fire safety. A Fire Safety Statement has been submitted to accompany the application and no concerns are raised.”

Officer report

What objectors said

Objectors raised concerns about noise, late opening, tournaments, numbers of people, signage and the lack of a cover over the outdoor court.

“Residents had worked with the applicant to make important changes to the proposal • Residents’ concern about additional sporting usages of the site had been allayed by conditions on the application • There would need to be appropriate signage about code of conduct to reduce noise • Concern about the hours of operation being extended to 10pm as the applicant had previously suggested 9pm closure which would be more acceptable • Lack of clarity about whether the close time…”

“In response to questions from members, the objectors confirmed that sustained noise from the open court was the main cause of concern and that suitable mitigation would be shorter opening hours, a restriction on ancillary uses / number on site and covering the open court.”

Minutes

Who spoke

Two objectors addressed the committee under Standing Order 31, and the applicant replied to their concerns and members’ questions.

The votes

The amendment to cover the outdoor court was agreed, and the officer recommendation to grant permission was also agreed.

“To implement an additional conditions to cover the open-air padel court with the hours of operation being to 10pm…”

“Amendment A poll vote on the amendment was held in accordance with Standing Order 31.4, when there voted: Councillor Jayne McCoy For Councillor Richard Clifton Against Councillor Sam Cumber For Councillor Trish Fivey Against Councillor Sam Martin Against Councillor Patrick Ogbonna For Councillor Patrick Magnus Against Councillor Tony Shields For Councillor Tim Foster Abstain Councillor Peter Geiringer For Agreed DM2025/00336 THE LONDON CANCER HUB COTSWOLD ROAD SUTTON SM2 5NG…”

Minutes

The final decision

Planning permission was granted with the listed conditions and an additional condition covering the outdoor court, with operating hours to 10pm.

“RESOLVED: To GRANT planning permission, subject to the conditions outlined at Appendix B and the additional conditions to cover the open-air padel court with the hours of operation being to 10pm 7. APPLICATION NO.”

Minutes