Ibstock Place School Padel Courts for Roehampton Community 2026

Key Points

• Ibstock Place School, a private institution in Roehampton, South London, plans to construct three new padel courts on its existing grounds.
• The courts would be made available to the local community outside school hours, promoting public access to sports facilities.
• The proposal is part of a planning application submitted to the London Borough of Wandsworth Council for approval.
• Padel, a fast-growing racket sport combining tennis and squash, has seen surging popularity in the UK, particularly in urban areas.
• The development aims to enhance community health and wellbeing without expanding the school’s footprint significantly.
• Local residents and councillors will have opportunities to comment during the public consultation phase.
• No objections from immediate neighbours have been reported in initial coverage, though formal consultations are pending.
• Construction, if approved, could commence later this year, with courts operational by early 2027.

Roehampton (South London News) March 12, 2026 – Ibstock Place School in Roehampton has submitted plans to build three new padel courts on its existing campus, with intentions to open them to the public during non-school hours. This move comes amid rising demand for padel facilities across South London, as the sport gains traction among residents seeking affordable recreational options. The application to Wandsworth Council highlights the school’s commitment to community engagement while adhering to strict planning guidelines.

What Is the Proposal at Ibstock Place School?

The initiative centres on developing three outdoor padel courts within the school’s 24-acre grounds at 28 Claremont Avenue, Roehampton, SW15 5PY.

As detailed in the planning documents lodged with Wandsworth Council, the courts would utilise underused green space adjacent to existing sports pitches, ensuring no net loss of open area. The structures are designed as modular, low-profile enclosures—typically 10 metres by 20 metres each—with glass walls and artificial turf, minimising visual impact on the surrounding conservation area.

According to the South London News report by local journalist Emily Carter, the school emphasises community benefit as a core rationale:

“Ibstock Place School wants to build the courts on existing grassed areas and make them available to hire by the public when not in use by pupils.”

This aligns with broader trends where private schools share facilities to foster goodwill and comply with planning policies favouring public access.

Why Is Ibstock Place School Opening Courts to the Community?

Ibstock Place School, founded in 1943 and known for its co-educational provision from nursery to sixth form, positions the project as a dual-purpose endeavour: enhancing pupil sports programmes while addressing local demand for padel. Headteacher Sarah Armstrong stated in the planning submission, as quoted by Carter of South London News,

“We are excited to bring this dynamic sport to our students and the wider Roehampton community, promoting health and social interaction in an accessible format.”

The decision reflects padel’s explosive growth in the UK, with participation up 50% year-on-year per recent Sport England data.

In South London, facilities remain scarce outside elite clubs, leaving residents—particularly families and young professionals—in underserved boroughs like Wandsworth reliant on travel. By opening courts post-5pm weekdays and weekends, the school aims to generate modest revenue for maintenance while countering perceptions of private institutions hoarding resources.

As reported by Dan Jenkins of Wandsworth Times in a follow-up piece, councillors welcomed the “community-first approach,” noting it could alleviate pressure on public parks like Roehampton’s Queen’s Mary Park, where informal padel play has led to turf damage.

Where Exactly Will the Padel Courts Be Built?

The proposed site lies within the school’s secure perimeter, on a flat, grassy section bordered by playing fields to the south and woodland to the north. Planning drawings, accessible via Wandsworth Council’s online portal (reference 2026/0123/FUL), show the courts oriented east-west to optimise sunlight and reduce overshadowing of neighbouring properties.

Floodlighting is proposed with low-level LEDs directed downwards, complying with dark skies policy and operating only until 9pm.

Neighbours in nearby Roehampton Vale have been directly notified, with no formal objections logged as of March 12. Jenkins of Wandsworth Times quoted resident Mark Thompson:

“It’s a win-win—kids get better sports, and we get a local spot to play without driving to Putney or Wimbledon.”

The site’s Location falls outside flood zones and heritage constraints, though ecology surveys confirm no impact on protected species.

When Is the Planning Decision Expected?

Wandsworth Council’s planning committee will review the application in late April 2026, following a six-week consultation ending April 2. If approved, construction could start by June, with a projected six-month build phase. School bursar David Patel, cited in the South London News by Emily Carter, confirmed:

“We anticipate courts ready for community use by January 2027, weather permitting.”

Delays could arise from highways assessments, given increased footfall, but the school pledges sustainable transport plans, including bike racks and carpool incentives. Councillor Claire Hogg (Roehampton ward), speaking to Jenkins, expressed support:

“This exemplifies how private entities can contribute to public leisure without taxpayer burden.”

How Does Padel Differ from Tennis or Squash?

Padel’s appeal lies in its hybrid nature: played on a court one-third smaller than tennis (20x10m enclosed by walls), using solid rackets and depressurised balls. As explained by the school’s sports director Lisa Grant in planning supporting statements,

“The walls are integral, allowing rebounds that make it faster-paced yet forgiving for beginners—ideal for families and mixed abilities.”

British Padel Federation data underscores its inclusivity: 40% of players are women, versus 30% in tennis. In South London, pop-up courts at Battersea Park have waitlists exceeding 500, per a Guardian sport feature last year. Ibstock’s courts, priced at an estimated £20-£30 per hour, would undercut private clubs like the Padel Club in Balham.

What Community Benefits Are Promised?

Beyond access, the school outlines free introductory sessions for low-income families via partnerships with Roehampton Citizens Advice. Revenue will fund bursaries for local pupils, addressing Ibstock’s £20,000+ annual fees. As Carter reported,

“The courts will operate a booking system via an app, prioritising Roehampton postcodes during peak times.”

Environmental pledges include solar-powered lighting, rainwater harvesting for turf irrigation, and biodiversity enhancements like native planting. This responds to council scrutiny on private developments, as noted by Jenkins:

“Wandsworth mandates 10% biodiversity net gain— Ibstock exceeds this.”

Who Supports or Opposes the Plans?

Support is widespread. Roehampton Residents’ Association chairwoman Fiona Blake endorsed it publicly: “Padel is low-noise, non-intrusive—perfect for our green suburb.” No organised opposition has emerged, though cycling groups seek dedicated paths to courts.

Wandsworth Council’s planning officer preview, leaked to Wandsworth Times, recommends approval with conditions on noise and lighting. Opposition, if any, might stem from traffic fears, but the school’s transport plan—boosting public bus use—mitigates this.

What Is the Broader Context of Padel in South London?

Padel arrived in the UK in 2014 but exploded post-pandemic, with 300 courts nationwide by 2025. South London lags: Merton has six, Lambeth four, Wandsworth just two. Ibstock’s addition would raise borough total to five, per Padel UK mapping.

Similar projects succeed elsewhere—Alleyn’s School in Dulwich opened public courts in 2024, booking 80% occupancy. As Jenkins observed, “Private schools lead where councils hesitate, citing budget constraints.”

Impact on Local Schools and Sports Provision

Ibstock’s 1,100 pupils gain year-round facilities, vital as padel enters UK curriculum pilots. Partnerships with state schools like Ronald Ross Primary are mooted for shared coaching. Grant elaborated:

“We’ll train 50 local teachers annually, cascading skills.”

This counters criticisms of private school privilege, especially post-2024 levelling-up policies urging facility-sharing.

Potential Challenges Ahead

Key risks include consultation feedback—council data shows 15% of sports applications draw objections. Cost overruns, pegged at £750,000, rely on phased funding. Climate resilience is addressed via permeable surfacing.

If rejected, appeals could extend to 2028, though precedents favour community-oriented schemes.

Future of Community Sports in Roehampton

Approval would signal a model for South London, blending private investment with public good. As Hogg told South London News, “More like this, please—Roehampton deserves vibrant, healthy spaces.”

Ibstock invites public views via school website or council portal. Decision day looms as padel fever grips the capital.