Strong support for padel tennis plan in resort

Often simplified as a mash-up of tennis and squash, padel is played with a perforated bat on an enclosed court

Proposals to build an indoor padel tennis centre in Blackpool have attracted widespread support.

Plans were revealed in January to add four indoor padel courts to existing sports facilities at South Shore Tennis Club on Midgeland Road.

A planning application was submitted to Blackpool Council for the scheme to construct a building on the site which would contain four padel courts to be used all year round, with changing rooms and a spectator area.

Town hall planners have yet to make a decision on the application, but it has attracted 68 comments, of which 65 are in support of the proposals.

'Very popular'

Supporters said if the development went ahead it would be good enough to bring national padel tournaments to Blackpool, as well as promote what is the world’s fastest-growing sport among local players.

Padel tennis is a mix between tennis and squash played on a court one-third the size of a tennis court.

One supporter of the scheme said: “Padel is growing massively in Europe and I think it’s brilliant Blackpool will be bringing it into focus with this development.

"Not only is it suited to all ages which makes it a welcome addition to the resort town but it will no doubt be a very popular new activity for local children.”

However, while those backing the application came from across the Fylde coast, objections from local residents, included concerns the building would be out of keeping with the area.

Objectors said there was not enough parking at the site and suggested the development would be better located as part of the community sports village recently launched on Common Edge Road.