Plans for four covered padel courts at Horncastle Tennis Club

According to the Lawn Tennis Association, Padel is one of the fastest-growing sports and the club hope to respond to that demand by bringing it to Horncastle on land to the west of their existing tennis courts on Coronation Walk.

The proposal is for four covered Padel courts within a secure area with fences matching the rest of the facility.

It is an innovative form of tennis that’s fun, easy to learn and extremely sociable. Played on an enclosed court about a third the size of a tennis court, groups of mixed ages and abilities can play together.

As padel is not dominated by strength or technique, and is both quick and easy to pick up, it is a great sport for players of all ages and skills. Padel provides an excellent opportunity for people to socialise, meet new people, and strengthen existing friendships while participating in a low-impact sport to improve well-being.

In planning documents submitted to East Lindsey District Council, they explain that the move would support aspirations to expand sporting provision, leisure facilities and healthy lifestyles in the town.

They state that it will provide an additional sporting facility for Horncastle and the wider catchment area in an area which is characterised by similar uses. It is next to the indoor bowls centre and close to the cricket, hockey and football clubs, as well as the swimming pool and leisure centre.

They add: “It will provide a new attraction that is not currently available in the town and will diversify the tourist offering and provide a year-round facility. As well as providing an economic benefit it will provide substantial physical, mental health and wellbeing benefits to a significant population in the surrounding area.”

The courts are designed to be similar in appearance to the existing tennis courts and there are no neighbouring residential properties, while the nearby Viking Way is screened by mature trees and hedges, with more tree and hedge planting planned.

Users of the courts would use the existing car park close to the club house, says the club.

- Meanwhile, a second application has been submitted to ELDC by Ms C Windley for land at Tattershall Karting Centre on Lodge Road, Tattershall.

This scheme would see the building of two covered Padel courts with associated floodlighting and car parking at the site.

Both applications will be considered in due course by the council.