Background
Anderson Acoustics was appointed to undertake a Noise Impact Assessment in support of a planning application for three new canopy‑covered padel courts at Withdean Sports Complex in Brighton. The development formed part of an established sports facility, with residential properties located around the wider site.
The assessment provided clear, site‑specific technical evidence to address noise considerations as part of the planning process.
The Challenge
Padel is a relatively new sport in the UK, with no bespoke national guidance specifically addressing padel noise. The proposed courts were to operate between 08:00 and 22:00, requiring careful consideration of potential effects on nearby residential amenity, particularly into the evening hours.
The existing noise environment comprised road traffic, rail movement and established outdoor sports activity, meaning any assessment needed to consider both absolute sound levels and their context.
Our Approach
We carried out detailed acoustic surveys to characterise noise generated by padel activity and establish representative baseline sound levels. This included attended and unattended monitoring of an existing padel court within the sports complex, alongside longer‑term background and ambient noise measurements representative of nearby dwellings.
The assessment was primarily informed by Sport England’s Artificial Grass Pitch (AGP) Acoustics – Planning Implications guidance, with a BS 4142‑style assessment also undertaken following advice from the local planning authority.
Measured padel sound data were used to calibrate a 3D acoustic model of the proposed courts. The model accounted for local topography, the court design, receptor height and existing screening features, and assessed a worst‑case scenario with all three courts in simultaneous use.
Predicted external sound levels at residential façades were assessed using LAeq,1h metrics (as recommended in the Sport England guidance) and compared against recognised guidance values to provide a robust and proportionate assessment.
The Outcome
The assessment demonstrated that predicted padel sound levels at nearby residential receptors would be well below the Sport England benchmark of 50 dB LAeq,1h and below typical existing ambient sound levels, which averaged around 52 dB LAeq,1h during daytime and evening periods.
When evaluated using BS 4142 principles, calculated rating levels were generally at or below background sound levels, indicating a low likelihood of adverse impact. On this basis, noise was not considered a constraint to the development, and no noise‑related planning conditions were recommended.
Conclusion
This project demonstrates Anderson Acoustics’ evidence‑led approach to assessing noise from outdoor sports facilities. By combining site‑specific measurement, transparent modelling and proportionate use of established guidance, the assessment provided clear, technically robust support for the planning application while safeguarding residential amenity.
Project Progress
Brighton and Hove City Council granted planning permission on 5th July 2025.
