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Search the Public Notice PortalCONTROVERSIAL plans to site two padel courts at Alderley Edge Cricket Club have been recommended for approval despite strong opposition from nearly 50 residents living next to the ground.
The club originally wanted permission for three padel courts on the site of an existing tennis court, but the scheme was amended following discussions with the council.
The application will be decided by councillors rather than planning officers after being ‘called-in’ by ward councillor Craig Browne (Ind) who said: “The proposals are highly controversial locally and the application would therefore benefit from a public debate at northern planning committee.”
One major area of concern is the impact of noise on residents living on Moss Lane.
The planning officer’s report to next week’s meeting states: “The proposed additional court would be experienced as part of an established and active sporting environment.”
It says the padel courts would be positioned towards the rear of the site, approximately 130m from Mottram Road and would not appear visually dominant when viewed from this principal vantage point.
It continues: “Residential properties to the rear, along Moss Lane, are situated at a lower level relative to the cricket club grounds.
“To mitigate potential noise impacts on these neighbouring properties, it is proposed to install a 3.2m high acoustic fence.
“In addition, new hedge planting is proposed between the acoustic fence and the neighbouring dwellings, alongside the existing boundary vegetation, to soften its visual appearance.”
Alderley Edge Parish Council has urged the northern planning committee to refuse the application on several grounds.
These include the padel noise impact on Moss Lane residents and light pollution from floodlights.
It also refers to the impact on the adjacent Alderley Edge conservation area.
Seventy-three residents have written to Cheshire East – 49 objecting to the proposal and 24 in support.
The objectors say guidelines in other countries state padel courts should not be positioned within 100m of residential properties, but say this proposal would be within 50m of 12 homes.
The planning officer’s report says the nearest residential properties on Moss Lane are approximately 25m from the nearest proposed padel court, further away than the existing tennis court, with the acoustic fence about 14m from the nearest dwelling.
Residents say the noise from padel is significantly worse than tennis with the constant banging on the walls.
One Moss Lane resident told the Local Democracy Reporting Service during a visit last year: “The noise would be unbearable. It would be like gunshots going off every time.
“It will drive you to have a breakdown.”
The objectors also argue the increased fencing – up to 3.2m high – would be overbearing and intrusive and cause a significant loss of outlook for nearby homes.
They also raised other concerns included highways and parking, the acoustic barriers only cover part of the proposed site and light pollution.
Supporters say the padel courts would be a welcome addition to the village and would allow the club to diversify and survive and encourage more people to play sport.
In recommending the scheme for approval, the planning officer says: “Subject to planning conditions securing detailed matters, there are no significant adverse impacts on design, amenity, highways, accessibility, ecology, or residential amenity.
“The scheme also addresses the identified need for additional padel courts in Cheshire East.”
The planning meeting takes place at 10.30am on Wednesday, June 24, at Macclesfield Town Hall.
