Objections to the ‘monstrosity’ of Rocks Lane sports building raised at Chiswick Area Forum

Aerial view of the Rocks Lane sports hub; image Rocks Lane

Rocks Lane building on Fishers Lane ‘illegal’ says the chair of the Mid Chiswick residents’ group

The Rocks Lane sports complex building on Fishers Lane was branded a “monstrosity” and an illegal development at last night’s Chiswick Area Forum.

The public meeting in which local councillors report back to residents on Hounslow Council matters affecting the Chiswick area heard from Jackie Elton, Chair of the Mid Chiswick Society and Friends of Chiswick Common, who is opposing the sports centre’s current planning applications.

We reported in June that Rocks Lane had applied to Hounslow Council for retrospective planning permission for its building on Fishers Lane which houses four of the club’s padel courts and a spectator and social area adjacent to it, as well as a ‘wellness room’ – gym equipment and designated areas for players to stretch and carry out warm-up or recovery activities.

The planning application, (P2026/1671) also asks for retrospective permission for the sports centre’s change in hours of operation from 08.00 am – 10.00 pm to 07.00 am – 10.00 pm seven days a week.

READ ALSO: Rocks Lane planning applications opposed by local residents’ group

Jackie Elton told the Chiswick Area Forum meeting at Chiswick Town Hall that Chiswick Back Common was ancient common land. Stewardship passed to Hounslow Council in 1965 but any decisions about building on it could only be made by a Secretary of State, under section 38 of the Commons Act 2006, therefore the Council was wrong to have approved buildings on the Common.

Area of Rocks Lane sports centre from the planning application

Council admits mistakes were made in granting planning permission

Cllr Ron Mushiso, chairing the meeting, read out a statement from Hounslow which acknowledged the concerns that had been raised regarding the activities and works taking place on Chiswick Back Common and recognised ‘the importance of ensuring that the appropriate permissions are obtained where required’.

The Council’s statement confirms it is registered common land and that applications for works requiring consent under the Commons Act 2006 are determined by the Secretary of State. It also appears to acknowledge that mistakes have been made:

‘The council notes that the necessary consents have not always been secured historically and has taken steps to address this going forward’.

Covered padel courts and spectator area; image Rocks Lane

After reviewing the situation with the Planning department and the operator of Rocks Lane, ‘a number of matters were identified that require further assessment and regularisation, including the review of historical approvals.

‘In relation to the padel tennis facility, the Council is working with the operator to address these requirements through the appropriate planning and common land consent processes.

‘The Council understands the interest that local residents have in these matters and remains committed to ensuring that the correct processes are followed going forward’.

This is the second time this week the Council’s planning department has been shown to be seriously at fault.

READ ALSO: Old Chiswick Protection Society wins Judicial Review of LB Hounslow’s decision to build Hogarth Roundabout tower block

A High Court judge quashed the decision by the Planning Committee to give consent to a high rise development at Hogarth Roundabout on Monday on the grounds that the planning department had misled councillors and they made the decision without the full facts in front of them.

EPL Club World Cup 2025 at Rocks Lane

Commerical firm effectively allowed to “privatise common land” and make “a fortune” from it

Jackie Elton told the meeting a commercial firm had effectively been allowed to privatise common land and make a “fortune”, charging between £50 and £80 per hour for the hire of padel courts.

She noted the lease comes to an end in 2029, at which point she hopes to take the opportunity “to take down some of the illegal buildings”, adding:

“There used to be football and tennis. There needs to be a framework as to what is appropriate use”.

Rocks Lane were not represented at the meeting, but they still do have football and tennis as part of the mix of sports on offer. Friday Night Fives continues to be very popular. When they heard about Jackie’s presentation afterwards, the Managing Director of Rocks Lane gave his response.

READ ALSO: MD of Rocks Lane answers criticisms of the sports centre in Chiswick

In the meeting a member of the audience spoke against Jackie, saying he played padel, and it was every bit as valid a sport as football or tennis.

“I cannot understand the crusade by Jackie, who does not represent more than half a dozen people. The idea of taking down the buildings is completely ridiculous”, he said.

TFC Leisure has made the Rocks Lane centre an important venue for padel internationally. This year they hosted the EPL Club World Cup for the second time, with teams coming to Chiswick from around the world to take part.

READ ALSO: Businesses invited to partner with Rocks Lane for the Padel Club World Cup 2026

Former Chiswick councillor John Todd, now retired from politics, said in his view the buildings were “ugly” and “wholly inappropriate” and the Council had been “negligent” in allowing them to be built.

The planning permission is still being considered. Asked what she wanted to happen next, Jackie said:

“I want to see the monstrosity of the tent taken down and the planning applications stopped”.