Plans for a new padel hub in Washington are being scaled back after developers found existing utilities crossing part of the site.

Soul Padel Ltd,which won permission earlier this year for a nine-court facility at Peel Retail Park, has submitted revised plans reducing the number of courts to seven.

Planning documents say the changes have been made to avoid utilities crossing the bottom of the site, with the redesigned scheme also providing additional parking.

The seven courts would be arranged in two rows beneath a canopy, and plans for a clubhouse with changing rooms, toilets, a coffee bar and seating area remain.

The proposed site for a new padel courts development at Peel Retail Park in Washington.

placeholder image — The proposed site for a new padel courts development at Peel Retail Park in Washington.

Padel is one of the UK’s fastest-growing sports, blending elements of tennis and squash, and is played in an enclosed court where walls can be used.

In recent years the sport has gained popularity across the North East, with several facilities being established across the region.

Soul Padel Ltd was described in planning documents as a “UK-based operator specialising in the development and long-term management of padel facilities”, with a “mission to make padel an inclusive and sociable sport, encouraging participation from people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities”.

Council planners who approved the original nine-court scheme agreed the proposals would not have a detrimental impact on the vitality and viability of Washington town centre or Concord district centre.

The plan is to create seven padel courts, instead of the initial nine.

They also noted developers had demonstrated that there were no suitable alternative sites available within the designated centres.

The revised plans still include a clubhouse in the form of two modified shipping containers housing a reception desk, changing rooms, accessible toilets, a coffee bar with a seating area and storage facilities.

An accompanying planning, design and access statement added the development would “integrate seamlessly into the existing retail park setting”.

It goes on: “Overall, the proposed development represents a positive and beneficial use of underutilised land, delivering modern, accessible and much-needed sports facilities for the local community, to be delivered by a padel operator with a proven track record.

“It will make a valuable contribution to the health and wellbeing of residents and workers within the area, while enhancing the recreational offer of Washington and more widely.”