Family farm shop outlines padel tennis court plan

Proposals included demolishing and removing the existing farm shop structure

Plans for padel tennis courts near a proposed new farm shop have been outlined.

Bradshaws Farm in Perton near Wolverhampton, a fourth-generation family farm, has submitted plans, with proposals including demolishing and redeveloping the existing "dilapidated" farm shop.

The four courts will be open to the public and the Lawn Tennis Association, in a letter accompanying the application, stated there was unmet demand for the development.

With increasing financial strain on the industry, farmers need to diversify in order to survive, the applicants said. South Staffordshire Council planning officers are considering plans.

The site would have more than 50 parking spaces and it is planned the redeveloped area, near Wrottesley Park Road, will include a clubhouse.

The proposed development also includes demolishing and removing the "existing dated and dilapidated farm shop structure and associated operational space", documents submitted to the council stated.

They added the redevelopment would replace a "functionally outdated structure with a well-designed, energy-efficient building that aligns with the rural character of the area".

It is planned that the redeveloped area will include four padel tennis courts and a clubhouse

The development would generate local employment opportunities, the documents said.

They also stated introducing padel courts was consistent with planning policy objectives relating to outdoor recreation, public health and community wellbeing.

Public comments on the application can be made until 25 August.

The courts will be open to the public, including local schools and sports clubs.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.