Hammersmith and Fulham Council's Planning and Development Control Committee has approved plans for the installation of three padel courts at Land West of Macfarlane Road and East Side of Frithville Gardens, London W12 7LA. The decision was made on Tuesday, July 7, 2026.
The approved plans include the demolition of existing brick sheds and a warehouse building, and the erection of a single-storey marquee building to house the three padel courts. Additionally, a single-storey extension will be added to the existing two-storey office building to create toilet facilities. The existing office building will also undergo external alterations, including re-cladding and refurbishment.
The proposal also involves a change of use from office (Class E) to a clubhouse (Class F2) associated with the padel courts. Twelve objections were received during the consultation period, primarily concerning noise and disturbance from the padel courts, light pollution, and the impact on neighbouring amenity. Three letters of support were also received, highlighting the potential for community use and local resident discounts.
To address noise concerns, conditions have been imposed limiting operating hours to 07:00-23:00 and requiring acoustic mitigation measures. An acoustic assessment prepared by Peninsular Acoustics (dated November 2025) found that noise associated with padel court usage would not exceed existing ambient sound levels during daytime hours. However, at night (after 23:00), there would be a slight exceedance of noise levels if the proposed use were allowed. The report also noted that the acoustic climate across the application site was dominated by heavy road traffic from Wood Lane and trains from the London Underground railway. For the residential development at The Clarence, noise mitigation measures including enhanced façade construction, suitable glazing, and acoustically attenuated mechanical ventilation are proposed. Conditions would also be included to mitigate potential noise from plant equipment at roof level. For the railway arches, conditions are recommended to secure noise mitigation, including sound insulation, external noise control, and anti-vibration measures. An Operational Management Plan will be secured to control customer noise and external areas, prohibit external amplified music, and manage servicing protocols. For the public house at The Clarence, a high-performance floor upgrade and enhanced glazing are predicted to bring internal noise levels within acceptable limits.
The proposal is anticipated to create 14 on-site and off-site jobs. The mixed-use development at Liberty House would support the creation of a wide range of jobs, including those associated with the hotel, life science and office floorspace, and supporting services.
Community benefits are also a key aspect of the proposal. Padel Xtra would seek to provide community benefits, including:
- Two hours of court time per week free of charge for a local secondary school and a local primary school (a total of 4 hours of free court time for schools to use as part of their Physical Education curriculum or as part of an after-school club).
- A 20% reduction in membership fees for pupils and staff teachers of the two chosen schools.
- Up to 3 feeder schools will be offered a 10% reduction in membership fees.
- Two hours a month of complimentary court time, off-peak, will be offered to pay-and-play individuals who qualify with a low means of income (universal credit etc.) to help bring access to the sport for all members of society.
- One free apprentice from the local community to learn how to become a qualified padel coach or to obtain a basic understanding of leisure management.
The proposal was considered to contribute to community facilities and employment.
More information on the committee's decisions can be found in the Public reports pack for the meeting on July 7, 2026.