Community backlash against new padel courts in Cape Town

AS popularity of padel — the fast-paced racquet sport — surges across Cape Town, a growing number of residents are voicing strong opposition to the construction of new courts in residential areas.

- TRACY-LYNN RUITERS

The backlash has sparked a broader debate about noise, light pollution, and the lack of clear regulation — as well as calls for meaningful public participation and spatial planning reform.

In Claremont, a proposed plan to build eight indoor padel courts and a warehouse at the Claremont Villages Rugby Football Club ignited community resistance. Residents say the development was attempted without consultation and in an area wholly unsuited to commercial sport.

“They tried to build these courts at the end of last year — just 30 metres from my bedroom window,” said resident Zara Langford. “We got a stop order in January. The land isn’t zoned for this type of high-impact, high-volume activity.”

Langford said the proposal included trading hours from 6am to midnight, seven days a week, which would bring constant foot traffic and noise. With four players per court, the facility could host up to 32 players at a time, plus spectators — a drastic shift in land use.