We don’t desire your racket! Residents’ combat to cease IT millionaire from organising padel courtroom on grounds of his mansion over fears noise might hurt the surroundings

It is one the world’s fastest growing sports, gaining popularity with celebrities including David Beckham and Andy Murray.

But while thousands may be embracing padel tennis, the game has found itself at the centre of a bitter dispute in one affluent area where neighbours fear it will disturb the peace.

IT entrepreneur Paul Woods, 52, is hoping to install a padel court on the grounds of his £4million mansion in Poole, Dorset.

But residents have labelled the plans ‘madness’ and say the noise of the racquets and the court’s flood lighting will be a nuisance and harm the wildlife.

Padel is played on an enclosed court – slightly smaller than a tennis court – and players use solid racquets to hit the ball, which cause a loud banging sound.

Mr Woods’ neighbours fear the loud bursts will reverberate around their homes in Branksome Park, a wealthy neighbourhood and conservation area near the millionaire hotspot of Sandbanks. There are also concerns the court lighting could disrupt protected bats in the area.

Next-door neighbour Zelda Bacal wrote in her letter of objection: ‘I understand padel courts emit very loud bursts of sound. I will lose the amenity of sitting in my garden, I do not want to hear these noises. This is madness.

‘The Branksome Park conservation area is described as “sylvanian” and “peaceful” and there is a duty of care to preserve its essential nature. I’m particularly concerned about the proposed floodlights.’

Padel is played on an enclosed court – slightly smaller than a tennis court – and players use solid racquets to hit the ball (File image)

Fellow objector Eli Belilty said: ‘I am appalled at the prospect of a padel court in the area.

‘Padel is a very loud and boisterous game.

‘The sound of the ball hitting the racquet and on to the glass walls and mesh metal walls is piercing.’ Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole council is to vote on the application after councillor Gavin Wright referred it to the planning committee.

Mr Wright said: ‘I went to a tennis club and there were a couple of padel courts – and you couldn’t hear yourself think for the noise.’

Mr Woods declined to comment, but his application claims the court would blend with the ‘sylvan character of the area’.