Dover District Council has approved the construction of two padel courts at Sandwich Tennis Club, following an amendment from an original plan for three. Work is scheduled to begin in late April or early May, aiming for completion before the summer season. The project has generated local interest amid concerns about noise and visual impact.
The Sandwich Tennis Club in Sandown Road, Sandwich, Kent, has received approval from Dover District Council for two new padel courts, a racquet sport combining elements of tennis and squash. Initial plans submitted earlier this year proposed three courts, but a variation approved last month reduced the number to two, deemed more prudent by club officials.
Fundraising efforts are ongoing through grants, loans, and founder memberships, which provide unlimited free play for a year. More than half of these memberships have already been sold. Committee member Lloyd Daniels stated, “Our padel project is already creating lots of local interest. Padel is becoming such a popular sport in the UK and is a natural partner to tennis.” He added that the club's location benefits from houses being far from the proposed site, and each court costs between £30,000 and £50,000, with groundworks adding a similar amount.
The planning application drew 26 supportive comments and five objections on the council's portal. Objector Margaret Carnegie raised concerns about increased pressure on parking and access, describing the courts as “visually intrusive” and padel as a “notoriously noisy sport” that could impact neighbors. In contrast, supporter Grahame Connor highlighted padel's status as one of the world's fastest-growing sports, noting its suitability for engaging younger and older participants in a social setting.
Daniels acknowledged some tennis members' worries about changes to the club but expressed confidence that the development would lead to a better-funded and busier facility. Nearby, the Play Padel Club in Deal's Victoria Park was named Kent's best by the Lawn Tennis Association in 2023 after transforming former underused tennis courts. Padel facilities also exist in Ashford, Canterbury, Folkestone, and Whitstable, with a purpose-built center planned for Ramsgate.