Guildford Rugby Club

The proposal seeks full planning permission for the erection of three covered padel courts within the grounds of Guildford Rugby Club, located on the urban fringe between Godalming and Guildford. The development is positioned on a previously used, partially hardstanding area adjacent to the existing pavilion, utilising established access, parking and ancillary facilities. The scheme has been designed as a compact and visually lightweight addition, with transparent glazing, muted finishes and a grouped layout to minimise visual impact and maintain openness. The site benefits from strong containment by existing built form and vegetation, ensuring that wider landscape character and views are largely preserved.

From a planning perspective, the principal consideration relates to the site’s designation within the Green Belt. While outdoor sport and recreation can constitute appropriate development, the inclusion of roofed structures introduces potential conflict with Green Belt policy, particularly in relation to openness. The application therefore relies on a dual case: firstly, that the scale, siting and design result in limited harm; and secondly, that Very Special Circumstances exist. These are underpinned by a demonstrable deficiency in local padel provision, the co-location with an established sports facility, and significant public health and community benefits aligned with national policy promoting active lifestyles.

Other material considerations are generally favourable. The scheme raises no substantive concerns in relation to highways, given the use of existing access and parking, and limited trip generation. Impacts on residential amenity are negligible due to separation distances and the urban fringe context, while lighting and noise are comparable to existing sporting uses. Ecological effects are identified as low, with opportunities for biodiversity enhancement. Overall, the proposal represents a modest intensification of an established recreational site, with the planning balance resting on whether the identified community and sporting benefits clearly outweigh any perceived Green Belt harm.