Sunderland City Council's planning department has received an application to install four covered padel courts at the Silksworth Community Pool Tennis and Wellness Centre, replacing existing outdoor tennis facilities. The proposal, submitted by applicant Everyone Active, seeks to swap four outdoor tennis courts for the enclosed padel courts, which are designed for the rapidly growing sport played with specialist equipment within walled courts.
Details of the Proposed Development
The design and access statement confirms that each padel court will be fitted with canopy covers featuring the Everyone Active logo. The structures will include pillar-type supports, anti-injury mesh infill panels, and approved glass, resulting in a clean and minimalist aesthetic. The playing surface will utilise the latest artificial grass technology, making the facilities suitable for users ranging from beginners to experienced players.
According to planning documents, the development will also introduce hard and soft landscaping to create new social areas serving the courts, complementing the surrounding green landscape and promoting health and wellbeing. Lighting will meet relevant standards, and the facility will operate during daytime opening hours only to reduce potential impacts on neighbouring uses and the wider environment.
Rationale and Benefits
The accompanying planning statement argues that the scheme aims to "enhance and diversify the existing sporting provision at the leisure centre in response to the growing demand for padel." It contends that the padel facilities will complement the existing tennis offer and improve the accessibility and inclusivity of racket sports within the local community.
The documentation notes that Silksworth Leisure Centre currently has eight indoor tennis courts and ten outdoor tennis courts. However, the existing outdoor courts are uncovered and experience reduced use during winter months and inclement weather. Current utilisation data indicates that a number of outdoor courts are underused. The proposed development therefore represents an opportunity to optimise the use of existing sporting infrastructure, broaden the range of recreational facilities, and encourage increased year-round participation in racket sports.
Next Steps
A determination on the application is anticipated following a council consultation period. For further details, the public can visit the council's planning portal website and search for reference 26/01496/LP3. This is the latest proposal submitted on Wearside to accommodate the growing popularity of padel, which is played in enclosed courts with walls forming part of the game.
