The Planning Committee of Bath and North East Somerset Council met on Wednesday 31 July 2024, deciding on three planning applications. The committee refused permission for new padel tennis courts at Lansdown Lawn Tennis & Squash Racquets Club due to concerns about noise pollution and its impact on residential amenity. Permission was granted for the erection of two semi-detached dwellings in Pensford and for listed building consent for alterations to a property in Walcot.

Lansdown Lawn Tennis & Squash Racquets Club, Northfields, Lansdown, Bath

The committee refused planning permission for the replacement of existing tennis courts with two padel tennis courts and a mini (juniors) tennis court at Lansdown Lawn Tennis & Squash Racquets Club. The decision was made because the proposed development, due to its proximity to neighbouring residents, the characteristics of the noise generated by padel tennis, and the increased comings and goings associated with the site, was considered to cause an unacceptable increase in noise and perceived disturbance. This was deemed to have a significant adverse impact and cause significant harm to the residential amenities of neighbouring occupiers, contrary to policy D6 of the Bath and North East Somerset Placemaking Plan.

Councillor Lucy Hodge, a ward member for the area, had referred the application to the committee due to the level of local concern and its wider importance to the city. Despite the officer's recommendation to permit the application with conditions, including restricted hours of use, a majority of the committee voted to refuse it. Councillor Deborah Collins proposed the refusal, citing concerns that the noise levels, particularly the 53 decibels predicted, were too close to the World Health Organisation's unacceptable level of 55 decibels, especially given the existing noise and proximity to housing. Councillor Fiona Gourley concurred with this view.

Arguments in favour of the application, such as the diversification of sporting provision and biodiversity net gain, were acknowledged. However, concerns were raised that the diversification of sporting provision would be limited to club membership. The committee also noted that while the Lawn Tennis Association recommended noise mitigation measures for properties within 30 metres of padel courts, the screening proposed was considered insufficient by some members.

Westward, 2 The Orchard, Pensford, Bristol

Permission was granted for the erection of two semi-detached dwellings with access at Westward, 2 The Orchard, Pensford. The committee unanimously approved the application, agreeing with the officer's recommendation that the development met the definition of limited infill development within the Green Belt and was therefore an appropriate form of development in that location.

Concerns raised by the Publow With Pensford Parish Council regarding overdevelopment and the impact on the junction of Police Lane and the A37 were considered. However, highways officers raised no objection, and the visibility splay was deemed acceptable. The committee also noted that while the application predated new biodiversity net gain requirements, off-site biodiversity net gain would be secured by a condition, which was considered policy compliant for infill applications. Councillor Duncan Hounsell proposed the permission, highlighting the need for smaller houses in rural areas.

10 Berkeley Place, Walcot, Bath

Listed building consent was granted for internal and external alterations at 10 Berkeley Place, Walcot. The application, which included the installation of windows with slim double glazing, retrofitting existing windows with vacuum insulated glass, and the installation of solar PV panels, was referred to the committee as the applicant is an employee of the council.

The committee unanimously approved the recommendation to grant consent, subject to conditions. These conditions included a time limit for the works, a specific methodology for stone cleaning, a detailed specification for mortar and stone replacement, and requirements for the installation of solar panels and fenestration colour. The proposed works were considered to have no adverse impact on the special architectural or historic interest of the Grade II listed building, nor on the character and appearance of the surrounding conservation area and World Heritage Site. The proposed energy efficiency measures were also seen as contributing to the council's commitment to responding to climate change.