Indoor padel tennis court plans for site near Sleaford
A new indoor court facility for the public to play the growing sport of padel tennis could be constructed on farmland between Sleaford and Silk Willoughby.
The scheme for the four indoor courts plus associated visitor parking is being proposed by Smith Construction, of Heckington, specialists in laying sports facilities and has been submitted as an outline planning application to North Kesteven District Council.
It would be situated on land just north of Pennells’ Four Seasons Garden Centre on London Road and Hannah North of Smith Construction said it would be a “brilliant facility for the town” in a fast growing sport.
"It would create employment and the nearest facility at the moment is in Lincoln,” she said, adding that if given the go ahead they would want to move quickly on it in order to be the first to create courts for this part of Lincolnshire.
She said they could not use an existing commercial unit within the town rather than a corner of redundant farmland owned by the applicant, explaining that the steel framed building proposed needs to be wide and tall enough to accommodate four indoor double padel courts (8m to the inside eave height), along with space for changing rooms, reception desk and seating area.
An indoor facility is proposed to provide courts suitable for play all year round and eliminates any potential noise disruption to neighbours. A new car park would include spaces for disabled parking and EV charging points, as well as gates and lighting for the evenings. A small outdoor seating area is proposed for patrons to relax after matches.
In documents submitted they explained the site offers the space required for the development and good access, while being similar in design to other neighbouring steel-framed buildings. All materials would be in keeping with the location and landscaped with tree planting to suit the rural location.
They said its location benefits from existing public transport foot and cycle paths and will prevent out of town journeys for players of around 50 mile trips to alternative courts. It would also offer a leisure facility to serve the new Handley Chase urban extension currently being built up the road.
“Padel is a fast growing sport and easy for new players to enjoy. It is proposed the new facility will offer more than just courts to play on, it will be a community hub operating fun leagues and tournaments. A place for social interaction as well as playing sport. All of these are health and wellbeing benefits to patrons.”
They explained: “Padel is slower, easier and more inclusive than tennis or squash making it enjoyable for all ages and abilities.”
The courts will be booked using an online booking system. All rackets and balls will be provided, meaning users don’t need to make any investment before having a go.
The courts will be available to the public on a ‘pay and play’ basis with access also available to schools and other community groups.
It is envisaged the facility will be used throughout the daytime and into the evenings and weekends to maximise usage and encourage all groups to play.
Local labour will be used for the construction of the development. Once built, the project will require a facilities manager, cleaning staff and padel coaches.
One Grantham Road resident, Steve Mason commented on the proposal: “I am pleased to see a proposal for a new sports facility but object to it due to location being a greenfield site, not close to the main population or regular public transport.”
North Kesteven District Council’s Tree Officer believes the development would mean the loss of a long section of roadside boundary hedgerow. They said the large structure within a rural field had limited plans to mitigate impact on the landscape.