Verdict reached on plans for new padel courts at Sunderland leisure centre
Four new covered padel courts are coming to a Sunderland leisure centre as the fast-growing sport continues to surge in popularity.
Councillors have approved plans to transform four existing tennis courts at Silksworth Community Pool Tennis and Wellness Centre into a new padel complex.
Operator Everyone Active says the development is in response to growing demand for the racket sport and will allow people to play throughout the year, including during the winter months and bad weather.
Sunderland City Council planning officers backed the scheme, saying it would provide more opportunities for people to lead active and healthy lifestyles and that the loss of the four outdoor tennis courts should not count against the plans.
An accompanying planning statement said the courts would “complement the existing tennis offer and improve the accessibility and inclusivity of racket sports within the local community”, as well as encourage increased year-round participation in racket sports.
Sunderland City Council’s planning and highways committee approved the development at a meeting on Monday, September 28.
Council officers had recommended the plan for approval and referenced information from the applicant around the reduced usage of outdoor tennis courts during the winter months and in periods of bad weather.
The council report said that “given the apparent rise in demand for padel tennis within the region, officers are of the view that the proposal would offer opportunity to play a varied form of tennis all year round”.
Council officers argued the plans would “promote and facilitate active and healthy lifestyles” and said the loss of four traditional outdoor tennis courts should not be viewed unfavourably.
Planning documents state the padel courts will incorporate a “pillar-type structure, anti-injury mesh infill panels, and approved glass”, creating what the applicant described as a “clean and minimalist aesthetic”.
The playing surface will also use the “latest artificial grass technology”, with the facilities designed to cater for everyone from beginners to experienced players.
Lighting and a mixture of hard and soft landscaping are also proposed, creating new social areas around the courts, which will operate during daytime opening hours only.
For more information on the plans, visit the council’s planning portal and search for reference 26/01496/LP3.