The Business of Padel: UK Planning Applications Surge 113% as Investors Race to Build Courts

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Planning applications for padel courts in the UK have surged by 113%, climbing from 53 in 2021 to a projected 544 by 2025, according to data from property intelligence platform Searchland.

The rapid growth of the sport is also reflected in online behaviour. Research conducted by Planning By Design shows that searches for Padel reached 13 million in January 2026 (+47% year-on-year), while searches for Padel courts hit 155,000 (+190% year-on-year).

Together, the figures highlight how one of the world’s fastest-growing sports is creating a new opportunity for investors, leisure operators, and developers looking to capitalise on the UK’s expanding sports infrastructure market.

However, the surge in interest is also placing increasing pressure on the UK’s planning system, which must process a growing volume of proposals for new courts across urban and suburban locations.

Why Padel Is Exploding in the UK

With clubs reporting waiting lists, peak-time shortages, and strong commercial demand, the UK padel scene is booming. “Reaching 1,000 padel courts in Great Britain is a fantastic milestone and highlights how quickly the sport is growing nationwide,” said Tom Murray, LTA Head of Padel.

Unlike traditional tennis, padel requires less space, is beginner-friendly, and appeals to players of all ages. It’s also wheelchair-accessible, making it ideal for urban, suburban, and school settings.

“Padel is a social, accessible sport that can bring communities together,” says Aaron Basi, Chartered Town Planner & Head of Planning at Planning By Design. “The challenge is ensuring the planning system can keep pace with the surge in demand.”

Data-Driven Investment Opportunities

The growth of padel is increasingly attracting investors who see potential in new sports infrastructure developments.

Research by Planning By Design identifies nearly 17,000 potential locations across the UK where padel courts could be developed. This analysis is supported by Searchland data showing 16,851 existing leisure sites, including golf clubs, racquet centres, and community sports facilities, with land that could accommodate one or more courts.

Key urban markets for padel expansion include:

• London: 1,086 sites

• Bristol: 206 sites

• Edinburgh: 189 sites

• Leeds: 129 sites

• Manchester: 128 sites

These locations highlight the scale of opportunity for developers and sports investors looking to meet growing demand.

Planning Challenges Facing Developers

Despite the strong market demand, developers still face several planning hurdles when proposing new padel courts. Common challenges include:

• Noise and neighbour concerns
• Floodlighting and visual impact
• Green Belt or protected land restrictions
• Change-of-use permissions for existing sites
• Traffic and parking considerations

According to planning experts, many projects run into difficulties because proposals do not fully address these issues before submission.

“Padel is one of the UK’s fastest-growing sports, but planning systems weren’t built for this pace,” says Basi.

“Developers who begin the planning process early with clear strategies for noise management, lighting design, and transport impact are far more likely to secure approval.”

Avoiding Costly Mistakes in a Fast-Growing Market

The rapid growth of padel has also led to mistakes in poorly planned or constructed courts.

Speaking to The Padel Paper at the UK Padel Convention, SAPCA CEO Shaw highlighted the risks facing investors rushing into development.

“Due to the sheer numbers of courts being built, there’s inevitably a number that are not being done very well,” he said. “The horrible part of my job is sometimes telling the investor that what’s been built has been a complete waste of money.”

Industry experts warn that early-stage planning guidance can help investors avoid these costly mistakes.

At Planning By Design, the team has seen a significant increase in investors seeking advice on potential padel court locations and development strategies.

Key recommendations include:

• Conducting acoustic assessments before submitting applications
• Engaging with local communities early in the planning process
• Designing lighting systems that minimise environmental impact
• Preparing detailed planning statements aligned with local policies
• Planning appropriate traffic and parking infrastructure

“With proactive planning and expert guidance, developers can turn public demand for padel courts into approved, operational facilities that benefit both investors and communities,” says Basi.

The Future of the UK Padel Industry

Padel’s growth reflects broader lifestyle trends in the UK, where health, social sports, and community-focused activities have gained popularity in recent years.

As participation continues to rise, the sport is expected to drive further investment in sports facilities and leisure infrastructure.

At the same time, planning expertise and data-driven site selection are becoming increasingly important in identifying viable locations and ensuring projects move smoothly through the planning process.

For developers, investors, and leisure operators, the message is clear: the UK padel boom is only just beginning.

For more insights into the UK’s padel planning surge and development opportunities, visit: Why Padel Courts Are in High Demand: Exploring the UK’s Planning Permission Surge