Southdown Sports Club, located in Lewes, planned to enhance its facilities by replacing one full-size and two mini tennis courts with two new padel courts. Given the proximity of residential properties and valued public spaces such as Lewes Priory Park, it was essential to ensure that the new courts would not adversely impact the amenity of local residents and users of Priory Park.
Anderson Acoustics was commissioned to conduct a comprehensive noise assessment to support the planning application for this development.
Challenge
Padel is a relatively new sport in the UK, and there is no specific guidance on acceptable noise levels for such facilities. The main challenge was to assess the potential noise impact of the new courts on nearby sensitive receptors – including residential properties and public amenity spaces – while referencing appropriate national and local standards.
Due to the nature of the noise produced during padel matches, the assessment needed to address both average and maximum noise levels, as well as the cumulative effect of the courts operating alongside existing environmental noise sources such as road and rail traffic.
What We Did
- Policy Review: We reviewed relevant noise policy and guidance, including the Sport England Artificial Grass Pitch Acoustics Note, BS8233, and Clay Target Shooting noise guidelines, to establish suitable assessment criteria;
- Baseline Survey: A combination of unattended (seven-day) and attended noise surveys was conducted at strategic locations around the site to capture existing noise levels from all major sources;
- Noise Modelling: Using 3D acoustic modelling software, we simulated the introduction of the new padel courts, populating the model with real-world measurements from similar courts in Brighton;
- Impact Assessment: We compared predicted noise levels from the proposed courts against established thresholds for residential facades, gardens, and public spaces. The assessment considered both average (LAeq) and maximum (LAFMax) noise levels, as well as the incremental change in ambient noise.
Result
The assessment demonstrated that:
- Predicted noise levels from the new padel courts were well below the Sport England and BS8233 thresholds (50 dB LAeq,1hr) at all sensitive locations;
- Maximum noise levels in nearby gardens met the Clay Target Shooting guideline (55 dB LAFMax), indicating a low likelihood of annoyance;
- The introduction of the padel courts would increase overall noise levels by 1 dB or less at all sensitive receptors – an imperceptible change given the nature of the noise is in keeping with the existing noise environment;
- Maximum noise levels from padel matches was significantly lower than existing peaks from train movements at sensitive receptors;
- The results strongly indicated that noise should not be considered a barrier to granting planning permission for the new courts.
Conclusion
Through rigorous measurement, modelling, and adherence to best-practice guidance, we provided clear evidence that the new padel courts at Southdown Sports Club would not adversely affect the local sound environment, supporting a successful planning application.
Project Progress
South Downs National Park Authority granted planning permission on 11th November 2025.
