Maidstone Council Rejects Padel Court Proposal for Second Time

Plans to construct padel courts in Maidstone have been quashed for a second time by the local council. The proposal, submitted by **Pulse Padel**, aimed to build three courts at **Coronation Square**, located behind the **Lockmeadow Entertainment Complex** in Maidstone town centre. This decision follows an initial rejection during an informal cabinet meeting that did not include public or press attendance.

Following the initial dismissal, **Cllr Stan Forecast** of the Conservative Party challenged the decision, advocating for the location given its proximity to **Maidstone West Railway Station**. He was able to secure a motion requiring the council’s cabinet to present their reasoning in a public forum. Despite this effort, the outcome remained unchanged during the recent cabinet meeting.

Council leader **Cllr Stuart Jeffery**, representing the Green Party, reiterated the council’s stance, stating, “We discussed this before and felt that the proposed location was just not right.” He emphasized that Coronation Square is a valuable events space and raised concerns regarding the noise generated by padel activities. These concerns included potential disturbances to nearby residents and the impact on local wildlife.

Support for Cllr Jeffery’s position came from **Cllr Maureen Cleator** of the Labour Party, who commended Cllr Forecast for his enthusiasm towards increasing sports in the borough. However, she pointed out, “Nobody is against padel – but they don’t get to tell us where to have it.” Cllr Cleator suggested that alternative infrastructure locations in **Shepway** and **Parkwood** could be more suitable for such facilities, noting that Lockmeadow is already facing traffic issues.

Cllr Stephen Thompson, also from the Green Party, acknowledged the council’s commitment to promoting health through sports but humorously remarked, “With apologies to a story in a galaxy far, far away, this is not the padel that we are looking for.”

The concerns raised during discussions were echoed by **Cllr Clive English** of the Liberal Democrats, who pointed out that residents living in almshouses across the **River Medway** would likely be disturbed by increased noise levels. Cllr **Dave Naghi**, also from the Liberal Democrats, criticized Cllr Forecast’s approach, arguing that Coronation Square was specifically designed as a community events space, vital for local gatherings, including the **River Festival**.

Cllr Forecast’s absence from the meeting, which he had called for, further weakened his position. Nevertheless, Cllr Jeffery suggested that **Poplar Park**, located behind **St Nicholas Church** off the London Road, could be a more appropriate site for padel facilities.

In response to the council’s decision, **Martin Smickler**, a director at Pulse Padel, expressed disappointment, stating, “This decision is highly disappointing. They seem to have ignored the enormous support for the scheme expressed on social media.” He emphasized the significant loss for the Maidstone community, particularly since Coronation Square is underutilized.

Smickler noted that local businesses were counting on the potential increase in foot traffic that the padel courts could have brought. “We will continue to look for an alternative site in the town,” he added.

As the council deliberates, another padel firm, **Square One Padel Club**, has announced plans to establish a sports centre featuring ten new padel courts in Maidstone, set to open in **January 2024**. The company, which already operates a successful facility in **Ashford**, has not disclosed the exact location of the new club. Founder **Sam De Haan** highlighted that the centre would offer state-of-the-art amenities, including a gym, Pilates studio, restaurant, bar, and wellness facilities such as ice baths and on-site physiotherapists.

Padel, a sport often described as a hybrid between tennis and squash, is the fastest-growing sport in Europe. In the UK alone, there are approximately **1,000 padel courts** spread across **325 venues**, with around **400,000** people participating in the sport. As the demand for padel continues to rise, the outcome of Maidstone’s developments could significantly influence the sport’s accessibility in the region.