Bromley Council's Plans Sub-Committee No. 2 has approved the installation of an outdoor padel court at the Old Wilsonians Sports Club in Hayes Hill, Hayes. The decision, made on Thursday, May 21, 2026, saw the approval of the padel court, complete with enclosure and four floodlights. The committee noted that the proposal would enhance existing sporting facilities at the club, providing a community and sporting benefit.
The new padel court will be operated on a Pay and Play
basis, ensuring access for a wider range of people, including non-members. The club also maintains a relationship with the Hayes Hill Road Fund (Residents Association) and liaises on significant events, as well as holding open mornings and responding to complaints.
The applicant stated that the padel court would increase club revenue to support wider sport use
and provide an additional income stream to address rising running costs associated with management of the land and utilities.
A member survey indicated that the majority of padel players would be existing Old Wilsonians Association (OWA) members.
Concerns regarding noise, lighting, and parking were addressed through recommended conditions attached to the approval. An acoustic barrier is recommended to be installed before the use commences, and any external lighting must be installed and maintained in accordance with the Lighting Impact Assessment. The hours of use for the court and the illumination of floodlights are recommended to be restricted to 08:00 to 22:00, consistent with existing tennis court hours, to limit potential early morning/late night noise. Regarding parking, the Highways Officer raised no objections, and the applicant has submitted clarifications on managing car parking and unauthorized parking. The proposal itself is not considered to materially impact highways safety, on-street parking, or the free flow of traffic.
Sport England raised no objections to the plans. Concerns were raised by local residents regarding the potential for future expansion of padel provision at the Old Wilsonians Sports Club to two or three courts. However, the report states that the assessment of this specific proposal is on its own merits, and concerns about potential future intensification of padel use are not a material consideration for this application.
The full details of the decision can be found in the Decisions Thursday 21-May-2026 19.00 Plans Sub-Committee No. 2 document. The Public reports pack Thursday 21-May-2026 19.00 Plans Sub-Committee No. 2 and Agenda frontsheet Thursday 21-May-2026 19.00 Plans Sub-Committee No. 2 are also available.
