Residents' Group Aims to Block Padel Court Changes
Mid Chiswick Society says canopies should never have been built
The padel courts viewed from the railway line. Picture: Mid Chiswick Society
May 31, 2026
A new planning application relating to the padel courts on Chiswick Back Common has triggered a renewed wave of objections from residents. The Mid Chiswick Society contends that the facility is unlawful, commercially driven and damaging to the character of the Common. The application, P/2026/1338, seeks to vary the conditions of the 2022 permission for four padel courts by replacing the existing white vinyl weather-protection panels with transparent side and end panels and retractable sunshades. According to the applicant’s planning statement, the changes are intended to “retain the visual openness of the site” while improving safety and playing conditions for users .
The society says the application is not a minor variation at all — rather, it is an attempt to “legitimise” a structure that should never have been built. The Mid Chiswick Society argues that the original canopy over the courts was erected without the legally required consent from the Secretary of State, which is mandatory for any building or enclosure on Common Land. “Since 2004 the Secretary of State has not received a single application from Hounslow relating to this part of Chiswick Common,” the Society notes, adding that the entire development “would appear to be unlawful” .
Under Article 12 of the Greater London Parks and Open Spaces Order 1967, local authorities are prohibited from erecting buildings or permanent structures on Common Land without formal ministerial consent. Section 38 of the Commons Act 2006 reinforces this requirement, making clear that restricted works — including buildings, fencing and enclosures — must be approved by the Secretary of State. The Mid Chiswick Society is objecting on the basis that no such application was ever made by either the London Borough of Hounslow or the operator, TFC Leisure, meaning the canopy and associated structures were installed without the proper legal process .
The new application, they argue, is an attempt to regularise the situation retrospectively. “This is an attempt not simply to vary but also legitimise the previous planning application… to build an enormous structure over 4 padel courts,” the Society wrote in its formal objection. “We continue to state and believe that the original application was granted in error… and the canopy should be removed completely” .
Residents also point to the 2004 contract between Rocks Lane Company and the London Borough of Hounslow, which was intended to secure community tennis provision on the site. They argue that the shift to high-priced padel courts — often hired at £70 per hour via the Playtomic app — represents a breach of that agreement and a departure from the community-focused purpose of the land. “This is not a community sport,” the objection states, noting that the courts are marketed commercially as “indoor” facilities and are used by players from across London rather than local residents .
Noise, light pollution and late-night activity are among the most persistent complaints. Padel, residents say, is one of the noisiest racket sports, with the sharp “gunshot” sound of ball-on-glass echoing across the Common. The existing canopy, they argue, has already extended playing hours beyond the permitted times of 8am to 10pm, with breaches “constantly” reported. The proposed transparent panels, they fear, will do nothing to mitigate noise and may worsen light spill from evening play. The planning statement acknowledges that the previous white panels were withdrawn due to concerns about visual impact, but argues that the new transparent design will have “negligible visual impact” and is screened by trees and hedgerows .
Traffic and parking pressures are another flashpoint. With no dedicated parking on Chiswick Common, players often park on nearby residential streets, leading to congestion, noise and, in some cases, damage to residents’ vehicles. “Residents find they cannot park their cars in the evening and there is constant traffic noise till late in the evening,” the objection notes .
The operator, TFC Leisure, argues that the transparent panels are essential for safety, citing slippery courts, obstructed visibility and increased accident risk during rain and wind. The panels, they say, will allow the courts to be used safely in all weather and will “enhance the quality of the existing facilities” in line with London Plan policies on recreation and healthy living.
But for many residents, the issue is not the colour of the panels but the principle of building on Common Land — and the fear that approving this application will pave the way for a second canopy covering four more courts, as proposed in application P/2025/0755. “This is a proposal to create a very profitable private elite sports facility for the very wealthy on Common Land,” the Mid-Chiswick Society concludes. “It is a breach of trust to the community” .
The deadline for comments on the application is Wednesday 3 June.
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