Janine GriffithsEast Leeds could soon gain a new set of outdoor padel courts under plans submitted for a sports centre in the Cross Green area.
A planning application has been lodged for the installation of four flood-lit padel courts at Football World on Pontefract Lane, with the new facilities proposed on one of the site’s existing football pitches.
Padel, a racket sport that has seen a sharp rise in popularity across the UK in recent years, is described in planning documents as one of the country’s fastest-growing sports.
The proposed development would feature four uncovered outdoor courts arranged in two rows of two. Six-metre-high lighting columns would also be installed to allow games to take place during darker hours.
According to a design report submitted with the application, the sport offers benefits for both physical and mental wellbeing while also helping people build social connections.
The report states: “Padel is one of the fastest-growing sports in the UK, with its popularity surging in recent years.
“The proposal is for the installation of four uncovered outdoor padel courts, arranged in two rows of two, on one of the existing football pitches.”
To minimise the impact on the surrounding area, the report says the lighting would be carefully designed, with fixtures angled and shielded to reduce glare beyond the site boundary.
It adds: “This approach ensures that any impact on nearby land uses is appropriately reduced, while still providing a safe and effective level of lighting for players.”
The courts would be open daily between 6am and 11.30pm, creating opportunities for early morning, daytime and evening play.
Planning documents note that the nearest homes are located more than 700 metres west of the site and that other leisure facilities, including football and padel venues, already operate in the surrounding area.
Leeds City Council is currently considering the application, which is open for public consultation until June 30.
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