Padel, a sport that is booming in France, is now clearly identified by the ARS as a activity that can generate significant noise pollution. It appears in the list of arrangements for which a special vigilance is required, alongside shooting ranges, clay pigeon shooting ranges, car washes or establishments broadcasting amplified sounds.

This means that any project to build a padel court, whether indoor or outdoor, must integrate from the outset a in-depth acoustic analysis, under penalty of seeing the project called into question or contested due to proven noise pollution.

The applicable regulatory framework

The noise generated by a sporting activity, when it is organized in a regular manner or subject to authorization, is covered by the legislation on neighborhood noise, governed by the Public health code to the articles R.1336-4 and following.

These articles specify that any activity must not, day or night, cause excessive noise in the environment. Noise must not exceed thresholds that vary depending on the time of day and the residential area.

THEcompetent administrative authority in terms of neighborhood noise is the mayor of the municipality concerned. In the event of complaints, it may take administrative police measures to stop the nuisance or even suspend the activity.

It is therefore crucial, for any padel project leader, toto anticipate this regulatory aspect upon filing of building permits or prior declarations.

Padel and the ARS recommendations on noise pollution

The obligation of an acoustic study

For all padel court projects, a acoustic study carried out by a specialized design office is compulsory if you wish to obtain an opinion from the ARS. This study must:

  • Accurately assess the predicted noise levels emitted by on-site activities,
  • Take into account the lay of the land, the type of surface, the materials used for walls and fences,
  • Propose, where appropriate, technical solutions (acoustic screens, noise barriers, strategic positioning of land, limited operating hours, etc.),
  • Ensure that sound emissions will remain compliant with regulations once the site is up and running.

This point is all the more important since the failure to take into account the acoustic criterion can lead to a irremediable non-conformity of the project.

Key elements to consider for a project

The ARS recommends an anticipatory approach, with several determining criteria in the evaluation of a padel court project:

  1. Le expected noise level and quantity of sound sources : number of courts, number of simultaneous users, possible competitions, use of amplified sounds (background music or microphone).
  2. La purchase between the installation and the first sensitive locations : homes, schools, hospitals, retirement homes. The shorter this distance, the higher the risk of non-compliance.
  3. La capacity for retrospective compliance, in the event of a complaint or finding of nuisance. Some sites may be technically unsuitable or financially impossible to correct.

In some cases, sound insulation solutions can be considered: orientation of the land, absorbent materials, restricted hours, etc.

The central role of the Local Urban Planning Plan (PLU)

The PLU plays a fundamental role. The ARS recommends that municipalities:

  • Do not allow the installation of padel courts near sensitive buildings,
  • Integrate into their urban planning documents specific noise-related requirements,
  • Ensure a overall coherence between leisure areas, residential areas, and sports facilities.

In other words, a A padel court should never be built without a comprehensive consideration of acoustics., at both the project and community level.

Possible consequences of non-compliance

In the absence of an acoustic study or effective preventive measures, a padel court can generate noise pollution such as:

  • Repeated complaints from local residents,
  • Formal notice from the town hall,
  • Suspension of operation of the site,
  • Compliance costs are very high, even impossible to achieve,
  • Degradation of the image of the project leader or the municipality.

It is therefore a public health, urban planning and legal risk management issues.

Helpful resources and guides

Several guides support project leaders and communities:

Conclusion

The development of padel must absolutely be accompanied by a serious consideration of noise impact, both for regulatory reasons and to guarantee the sustainability of projects.

The ARS recommendations are clear: a acoustic study is essential and must be part of a comprehensive approach to preventing noise pollution, to allow harmonious cohabitation between sports spaces and residential areas.

Franck Binisti

Franck Binisti discovered padel at the Club des Pyramides in 2009 in the Paris region. Since then, padel has been part of his life. You often see him touring France to cover major French padel events.

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