Can I convert my barn to a Padel court?

Permitted development rights can, in certain circumstances, provide a route to delivering padel courts without the need for a full planning application. For farms, the most relevant provision is Class R of the General Permitted Development Order, which allows for the change of use of agricultural buildings to a range of flexible commercial uses. This includes indoor sport and recreation, meaning padel courts within an existing agricultural building may fall within Class E(d) of the Use Classes Order.

This creates a genuine opportunity for farm diversification. Where you have a redundant grain store or machinery building capable of accommodating a court, it may be possible to secure consent through a prior approval process, rather than a full planning application. However, this route is not unrestricted. The building must have been in lawful agricultural use as part of an established unit, either on or before 3 July 2012, or for at least 10 years if brought into use after that date. Floorspace limits also apply. In most cases, up to 500 square metres can be changed to a flexible commercial use such as indoor sport, with a wider cap of 1,000 square metres across the agricultural unit applying to other uses.

Does Class R allow external works to a building?

It is important to recognise that Class R permits change of use only. The physical works required to install a padel court, including the structure, glazing and surfacing , are operational development and will require separate planning permission.

Permitted development rights also do not extend to outdoor padel courts. Courts on open land involve both a material change of use and new built form, meaning a full planning application will be required. That said, outdoor courts can still be acceptable in principle, including within the Green Belt and open countryside, provided they are carefully designed and supported by a robust planning strategy.

What are the standard dimensions for a padel court?

A standard padel court measures 20 metres in length and 10 metres in width, forming a rectangular playing area enclosed by walls and mesh. The court is typically divided in half by a central net, with each side measuring 10m x 10m.

In terms of height, the surrounding enclosure is a key feature. The back walls are usually constructed to a height of around 3 to 4 metres, often using glass panels, while the side sections combine solid walls and open mesh fencing to allow for ball rebound and continuous play.

For planning and design purposes, it is also important to allow additional space around the court for circulation, safety, and access. Where courts are proposed within existing buildings, a clear internal height of around 6 to 7 metres is typically required to ensure comfortable play without restriction.

In practical terms, these dimensions mean that many modern agricultural buildings, particularly steel portal frame barns are capable of accommodating a padel court without significant structural alteration. This is what makes the conversion of existing barns such a strong opportunity, particularly when combined with permitted development routes under Class R.

Padel courts represent a great opportunity for farm diversification, but as with any planning project, the route to delivery varies hugely depending on the site and its history. It is important to understand whether permitted development rights apply, or whether a full application is required. For outdoor courts, the design is more sensitive and the constraints can be significant.

We have successfully secured planning permission for a number of padel court developments, working across a range of site contexts including agricultural units, existing buildings, and open countryside locations. This experience allows us to identify the most effective strategy early, reduce planning risk, and present proposals in a way that aligns with local and national policy.

Whether you are at the initial idea stage or looking to progress a specific site, we can guide you through the process with clear, pragmatic advice focused on achieving a successful outcome.

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