Background
Jeff Kahane & Associates appointed Anderson Acoustics to undertake a noise assessment to support a planning application for four new padel courts at Georgians Tennis Club in Crouch End, north London. The proposals involved replacing existing tennis courts within an established sports environment.
The assessment was prepared to provide clear, quantitative evidence on the potential noise effects of padel activity as part of the planning process.
The Challenge
Padel is not currently addressed by UK‑specific national or local noise guidance, requiring appropriate interpretation of existing standards. While the site benefits from separation distance and an established sporting context, the introduction of padel courts required a robust assessment of both absolute noise levels and their relationship to the existing acoustic environment.
A key requirement was to demonstrate that padel activity would remain compatible with nearby residential amenity.
Our Approach
Unattended baseline noise monitoring was undertaken to establish representative ambient and background sound levels. The monitoring location was selected to reflect noise conditions representative of those experienced at the nearest residential receptors.
Assessment criteria were primarily drawn from Sport England’s Artificial Grass Pitch (AGP) Acoustics – Planning Implications guidance. A BS 4142‑based assessment was also undertaken to consider sound character, background levels and contextual factors.
Measured padel noise data from an existing padel court were used to inform a calibrated 3D acoustic model of the proposed development. Predictions were carried out assuming all four courts operating simultaneously.
The Outcome
The assessment concluded that the proposed padel courts would not result in an adverse noise impact and that noise should not be a constraint to planning approval.
Conclusion
This project demonstrates our evidence‑led approach to noise assessments for outdoor sports facilities. By grounding predictions in measured padel noise data and applying established UK guidance with appropriate professional judgement, the assessment provided clear and technically robust support for the planning application while safeguarding residential amenity.
Project Progress
Haringey Council granted planning permission on 10th October 2024. The development, now named Georgian’s Padel, opened in 2025.
