Plans for new padel courts at the Regency Hotel in Shirley have taken a significant step forward after Solihull Council formally approved a key condition. The hotel, located on Stratford Road, originally applied for three padel courts in December 2025, aiming to cater to both guests and the wider community.
What Are Padel Courts?
Padel, a sport combining elements of tennis and squash, is one of the fastest-growing sports globally. The Regency Hotel seeks to capitalise on this trend by building two semi-covered courts and one uncovered court, along with cycle parking, a modular coach hut, and pergola structures with seating. The facility will occupy an underutilised section of the hotel's northern car park.
Planning Approval and Conditions
Planning permission was granted in April 2026 by Mark Andrews, Solihull Council's head of planning, design and engagement services. The approval was subject to several conditions, including the submission of a Construction Method Statement. On 7 July 2026, the council formally discharged condition four, signing off on the method statement and moving the project closer to construction.
Community and Noise Concerns
A planning statement submitted with the original application emphasised the inclusive nature of the courts: “The proposed padel courts are intended to provide a high quality, inclusive sporting facility for recreational play for players of all ages and abilities. The courts will be available for use by all visitors with flexible booking options and will serve as a venue for the promotion of physical activity and wellbeing.”
Noise concerns have been raised at other padel court developments nationally, but the applicant stressed that the courts would feature glass walls to contain sound, and synthetic turf to absorb the impact of balls and footsteps, further reducing noise potential.
Addressing Local Demand
Planning agents Claremont Planning argued there is a “shortfall” in the borough for such facilities, so the proposal would “help meet local demand and promote active lifestyles.” The application can still be viewed on Solihull Council’s website by searching for reference PL/2025/02331/PPFL.
Other Planning Applications in Solihull
Meanwhile, several other live planning applications are under consideration by Solihull Council, including a single-storey side extension at 245 Damson Lane, alterations to a dwelling at 30 Grove Road in Knowle, and a change of use to short-term accommodation at 149 Solihull Road in Shirley. Other applications include retrospective holiday let changes at 16 Rowden Drive, a mobile home certificate at 66 Arundel Crescent, and various extensions at 36 Cambridge Avenue, 3 Woodside Way, 15 Digby Drive, and 32 Whitefields Gate.
