Start with the activity footprint
Use the playing, safety and circulation area, not a headline unit size. For padel, the FIP playing rectangle is 10 m by 20 m internally; the full venue needs additional space.
- Playing and circulation area
- Reception and welfare
- Emergency and accessible access
Measure the lowest obstruction
FIP requires at least 6 m unobstructed height and suggests 8 m for new facilities. Beams, lights, ducts and door tracks can make the lowest point more important than the ridge.
- Measured clear height
- Structure and services
- Indoor or covered format
Test drainage, light and neighbours
The LTA calls for site-specific foundation and drainage design. It also advises early noise and light work near homes, with specialist surveys likely where a home is within 50 m.
- Drainage and attenuation
- Nearest homes
- Proposed hours and lighting
Visit at the peak
Count shared parking and watch access when the host club, retail park or leisure venue is busy. There is no universal parking ratio that replaces the operator's booking pattern and local planning work.
Primary sources
- FIP Rules of PadelCurrent court dimensions and height rules.
- LTA Padel Court Construction Guidance NoteUK footprint, drainage, lighting and noise guidance.