Planners issue new verdict on padel tennis scheme on industrial estate

New proposals for a padel tennis club and cafe for Poulton have been given the go ahead by planners – three months after being refused.

Padel tennis is said to be the world’s fastest-growing sport and a number of new facilities have already opened on the Fylde coast.

The applicant, listed in planning documents as Tyler Butterworth, submitted plans last year to set up the new amenity at Unit 6 of Beacon Road on Poulton industrial estate.

The application, lodged with Wyre planners, was for the change of use of a joinery workshop to a padel club with ancillary cafe bar with alterations to front elevation.

But in December, Wyre’s planning officer said the scheme was in the wrong place and was in conflict with a number of planning policies as a result, throwing the proposals out.

However, a re-submission of the scheme has now been approved after the applicant lodged new supporting documents stating there was considerable support for the amenity on the industrial estate itself.

A new delegated report from the planning officer stated: “It is noted that, under refused application 25/00716/FULMAJ, the proposed Padel courts were deemed not to primarily serve people employed in the existing employment area.

“However, the applicant has submitted a significant number of supporting statements and other information from people who claim to be employed in the Industrial Estate.

“These statements suggest there is a high demand for this type of facility, and that it would likely be used by people employed within the Industrial Estate.

“Whilst the Council is still concerned that the majority of visitors will be members of the public from elsewhere in Poulton (and the surrounding area), it is accepted that there is some likelihood that people employed in the Industrial Estate would use the facility.

“This would not be entirely dissimilar to the function of a gymnasium, which have previously been considered to represent an acceptable supporting use in such employment areas.

“The loss of the unit is not likely to result in a significant reduction in the type, quality or quantity of employment land supply. “

A planning statement on behalf of the proposals for Poulton stated: “Padel is a racquet sport played on a small, enclosed court, combining elements of tennis and squash. It has seen a massive surge in popularity in the UK.

“There is the option to play in doubles or singles and with this application we are proposing three doubles courts and one singles court, therefore there will be a maximum of 14 people playing padel at one time.

“The site consists of a large joinery workshop with ancillary offices to the first floor. The footprint of the building is 1200sqm.

“This unit will be largely open plan to enable the flexible layout of gym equipment. There will be an area to the front of the building used as a reception and changing area.

“The carpark at the front of this building will be used by staff and members of the public who wish to use the Padel Club.

“There are no changes proposed to the existing access point to the site. Therefore, no impacts on access or highways.”

For fans of this sport, there are currently outdoor facilities up and running in Lytham Lowther, while a 24-hour indoor amenity opened at Blackpool’s Squires Gate in October.

Tenders are also being sought for a new amenity at Fairhaven Lake on the outskirts of Lytham.