Renfrewshire Council has granted planning permission for three additional padel courts at Powerleague Paisley, located at Anchor Grounds in Blackhall Street. The approval, subject to conditions, allows alterations to the site to meet increasing demand for the sport.
Details of the Development
The application, submitted by North Planning and Development on behalf of the client in April, seeks full planning permission for works to provide three new padel tennis courts. These will include court enclosure, lighting, and a canopy on an area currently used as a 7-a-side football pitch. The proposal also involves creating a new 5-a-side pitch and relocating the existing 7-a-side pitch to the northwest corner of the site.
According to the planning agent, the development equates to repurposing one 5-a-side outdoor sports pitch for padel. Two of the courts will be doubles-sized and one for singles use. Each court will feature a replacement synthetic playing surface enclosed by clear glazed panels with mesh fencing and replacement floodlights. A separate canopy, finished in translucent opal fabric, will allow year-round use in all weather conditions.
Growing Popularity of Padel
Padel, a fast-paced racket sport combining elements of tennis and squash, is one of the world's fastest-growing sports. The three new courts will complement the four existing padel courts at Powerleague Paisley, which opened last year.
North Planning and Development stated: "The proposed development does not involve the loss of any designated open space and instead utilises space equivalent to a 5-a-side pitch, the demand for which is decreasing. Provision of additional padel courts will meet local demand within the community and contribute to health and wellbeing across Renfrewshire."
Council Approval
In its assessment, Renfrewshire Council noted: "Overall, the proposal is considered to comply with policies ... in that it would result in the provision of improved sports facilities without negatively impacting on the amenity of nearby properties." The official decision notice confirmed the proposal aligns with the development plan provisions.
