Four new padel courts at an east Leeds sports centre have been approved by Leeds City Council as demand for the fast-growing racket sport continues to rise.
Football World, in Cross Green, has installed the outdoor floodlit courts at its site on Pontefract Lane after converting one of its existing football pitches.
Planning permission was required for the development, with council officers later confirming the courts had already been completed and were available for use when the site was inspected.
A planning officer’s report said: “This application seeks planning permission to install four uncovered padel courts. Upon undertaking the officer site visit it was evident that the courts had been fully installed and were available for use, so this scheme involves the retention of the facility.”
The council found the development would not have a significant impact on highway safety and decided there was no need to limit opening hours beyond the proposed operating times of 6am to 11.30pm.
Documents submitted with the application said padel, a sport combining elements of tennis and squash, has seen a surge in popularity in recent years.
The four courts have been arranged in two rows of two on part of the existing Football World site. The applicant said the sport offers physical and mental health benefits while encouraging social interaction.
The design report added that padel is particularly accessible for older players, beginners and those returning to sport because of its smaller court size and slower-paced rallies.
