A cricket club has revealed plans to bring the fastest growing sport in the world to its home.
Woodlands Cricket Club in Oakenshaw has applied for planning permission to create two Padel courts at its Albert Terrace site, saying introducing the sport will “broaden the club’s offering to the wider community.”
Padel is a racquet sport that dates back to the 1960s, but has experienced a huge rise in popularity in recent years.
It has similar rules to lawn tennis, but is played on much smaller courts.
The application says: “The proposal is intended to support the existing sporting facilities and broaden the club’s recreational offering to the wider community.
“The courts will be positioned on underutilized land within the existing club grounds. The location has been chosen to avoid conflict with cricket activities.
“The overall scale is modest and appropriate to the site and its surroundings.
“The courts will be enclosed with transparent mesh fencing to maintain sightlines and minimise visual intrusion.
“Court surfaces will be finished in synthetic turf, typically green or blue, suitable for all-weather use. Low-level lighting columns will be installed for evening play, with downward-facing fittings to minimise light spill.”
A decision on the application is expected in November.
