Virginia Wade’s old tennis club is being torn apart by a row over the potential installation of new padel courts which members and locals fear could ruin the area’s tranquility with ‘constant gunshot’ noises.
An application was lodged in May this year to strip two of the 21 tennis courts out at Tunbridge Wells Lawn Tennis Club, Kent, and replace them with three padel courts.
The club, which is one of Britain’s oldest and is where Ms Wade – a three-time singles grand slam winner – honed her racquet skills, currently has nine artificial clay, eight grass and four tarmac courts.
Two of the hard courts would be removed under the proposals, and worried residents fear the consequences would be drastic if Tunbridge Wells Borough Council give it the green light.
Some said the sounds coming from the prospective new courts would be akin to hearing ‘constant ‘gunshots’ while others said the ‘peaceful ambience’ of the club would be ‘destroyed’.
Writing on the council’s planning portal, Charlotte Lawson said: ‘I am both a member of Tunbridge Wells Lawn Tennis Club (TWLTC) and local resident and I strongly oppose the introduction of three uncovered padel courts at TWLTC as it will have a very negative impact on our enjoyment of the club, of playing tennis and of the club’s beautiful surroundings.
‘As the TWLTC Board has itself acknowledged noise levels will be loud causing significant disturbance to residents and members from early in the morning to late at night with the sound described as constant “gunshots” producing an average noise level of 60 decibels each time the ball hits the glass walls of the courts or solid plastic racquets.
‘With tennis courts either side and directly in front of the proposed padel courts, the effect on tennis players’ concentration and consequent enjoyment of their game will be significantly compromised.’
The local also expressed concerns over traffic, parking, light pollution, and the impact on local wildlife.
If approved, the padel courts would be open seven days a week – between 7am and 10pm on weekdays and 8am to 8pm on weekends.
TWLTC’s planning application additionally asks for permission to dig up three of the existing grass courts and replace them with three of either hard surface or clay.
As a result, the club would be left with only five grass courts.
On the council’s planning portal, these controversial plans have already received more than 100 comments from locals.
Another member, Margaret King, wrote: ‘I am a member of TWLTC, and did not ask the club board to make this application.
‘Replacing two hard tennis courts (courts three & four) with three padel court will destroy the peaceful ambience of Club. Noise levels from padel are very high, which will upset tennis players, let alone the neighbours.
‘This will also impact on the already overcrowded parking.’
Stephen Hutt, a member and local resident, added: ‘My peaceful residence will have the sound of constant “gun” shots ricocheting around from a proposed 7am to 10pm six days a week and starting at 8am until 10pm on a Sunday!
‘Our family dog is petrified of bangs and requires anxiety medication around bonfire night and cannot go on country walks when there is any form of audible shooting.
‘This proposal will make her and our enjoyment of our garden untenable it will have a devastating impact on our life.’
The historic club first opened in 1898 – comprising of a cricket pitch, athletic track, football ground, six tennis courts and some croquet pitches.
In 1962-64 Ms Wade, who was a local schoolgirl at the time, won the Club Closed Ladies’ Singles title. She went on to win three major titles, including Wimbledon in 1977, becoming Britain’s most successful female tennis player.
Many commenters fear the new plans contradict with the nature of the club, as well as raising concerns over flooding and anti-social behaviour.
But not everyone is opposed to padel being accessible in their area, with some commenters stating that they think it is a welcome change.
Local Susan Bourne wrote: ‘We fully support this planning application. The nearest place currently to play paddle is Tonbridge.
‘Having this facility in Tunbridge Wells will not only be a great resource for the local players it will also help reduce the use of cars and general traffic in and out of the town aiding the councils environmental initiatives.
‘Padel is a great sport rapidly growing and suitable for all ages, having both physical and mental health benefits.’
Member Kevin Pollock added that ‘We must evolve in order to continue to exist as a club.’
The design and access statement submitted to the council states that there is a ‘clear gap in the market’ in the town due to the popularity of tennis.
The popularity of padel – which combines elements of tennis and squash – has soared in recent years, thanks to its basic skill level and social nature.
The council will decide on the application at a later date.
