Tuesday August 4th 2026
Photo by Vincenzo Morelli
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Drew Sandelands
Padel courts can be built at a Hillhead sports complex despite neighbours’ fears over “gunshot-like” noise.
Glasgow’s planning committee has ruled in favour of a plan to install two courts at Hillhead Sports Club. Objectors argued the “relentless and monotonous” noise from the courts would affect nearby residents but council planners had recommended the scheme was approved.
Padel is a racket sport, similar to tennis, played on an enclosed court. Balls can be hit off the court walls like in squash.
Courts at Hillhead Sports Club on Hughenden Road — which is the home of Hillhead Jordanhill rugby club and also has cricket and tennis facilities — will be covered by a canopy and floodlit to support evening and winter play.
The council received 11 objections to the club’s application, with one neighbour saying: “Everyone would be affected by the gunshot-like sounds of padel being played.
“Even if permission for the construction of the courts is granted and goes ahead, I can only imagine a miserable period of complaints to follow.”
Another resident said: “The relentless and monotonous noise is impossible to ignore and would impact me significantly.”
But council planners said an acoustic assessment found that “noise levels would not give rise to significant adverse impacts on surrounding properties”.
A report to councillors stated the existing facilities “generate regular background noise associated with both sporting activity and spectator attendance”. “This establishes a high ambient noise environment,” it added.
Operating hours for the courts are restricted to between 8am and 9pm by a condition attached to the planning approval.
Cllr Ken Andrew, SNP, the committee chairman, said: “I think this is a good application. I think the potential for noise spill is relatively minimal and I’m pleased to see the hours are controlled to 9pm.
“I think that’s perfectly reasonable to minimise any disruption. I think it’s a useful addition to what is a very well used and well appreciated sports complex.”
Cllr Saqib Ahmed, Labour, added: “This is a well used sports arena, well connected with public transport as well. I have no doubt they will do a fantastic job with this particular addition to their already existing sports.”
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