Politics & Council · Trowbridge
Trowbridge Town Council warns of park improvement delays over padel court dispute
By Swindon Now Editorial Team · Published
The council has cautioned that objections to new padel court plans could jeopardise a wider £1 million project to refurbish Trowbridge Town Park's play area and mini golf facilities.
Trowbridge Town Council is urging residents to consider the broader impact of their opposition to proposed padel courts, warning that the scheme is vital to unlocking a £1 million investment in the town park. Cllr Mel Jacob, the leader of the town council, has emphasised that the courts are not an isolated project but a financial cornerstone designed to fund essential upgrades to the park's play area and the introduction of new mini golf facilities.
The current proposal, which involves the installation of two covered padel courts, has faced a wave of objections from members of the public. Concerns raised by residents include the potential for noise disturbance, the visual impact of the structures, the effect on existing trees, and questions regarding the financial viability of the project. Specifically, critics have questioned whether the income generated by the courts would be sufficient to repay the council loan required to finance the construction.
Addressing these concerns, Cllr Jacob stated that the financial projections were based on expert guidance from the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA). According to the council, the popularity of padel across the UK suggests the courts will generate enough revenue to cover the loan repayments, thereby allowing the council to deliver the wider park improvements without placing a direct burden on council tax payers. Every councillor has already voted in favour of the business case.
The council leader warned that sustained opposition could lead to significant setbacks. She explained that if the current planning application is abandoned or forced into a redesign, it would likely delay the entire park revitalisation project by at least a year. The existing play facilities in the park have been described as old and tired, and the council argues that the project is necessary to provide better recreational opportunities for a diverse range of age groups.
Responding to criticisms about the location and visual dominance of the courts, the council confirmed that no trees are scheduled to be removed. The planned location is adjacent to the existing 3D pitch and tennis courts, with the council asserting that the structure will be partially screened by mature vegetation. A formal noise impact assessment has also been completed as part of the planning process.
The council reports that a two-month consultation period previously garnered 631 responses, which they interpreted as reflecting strong public support for investing in the park's future. The current project timeline aims to secure planning permission this autumn, with the goal of completing the play area renovations and the new facilities by late 2026.
Source: Wiltshire Times — Trowbridge · View original