Councillors are due to decide on plans to replace four outdoor tennis courts with four covered padel courts at Silksworth Community Pool Tennis and Wellness Centre, with planning officers recommending approval.
Growing demand for padel
Applicant Everyone Active wants to install the new courts in response to the "growing demand" for the racket sport, which is played with specialist equipment in enclosed courts.
An accompanying design and access statement said the padel courts would feature a "pillar-type structure, anti-injury mesh infill panels, and approved glass, resulting in a clean and minimalist aesthetic".
Those behind the proposal stated the playing surface would "utilise the latest artificial grass technology, ensuring the facilities are suitable for users ranging from beginners to experienced players".
Details of the proposal
Lighting and a combination of hard and soft landscaping are also proposed to establish new social spaces serving the courts, with applicants confirming the padel courts would "operate during daytime opening hours only".
A separate planning supporting statement noted the padel courts would "complement the existing tennis offer and improve the accessibility and inclusivity of racket sports within the local community", while "encouraging increased year-round participation in racket sports".
Council recommendation
Sunderland City Council's planning department has put forward the proposal for approval, with officers citing information from the applicant regarding the diminished use of outdoor tennis courts throughout the winter months and during poor weather conditions.
The council report stated that "given the apparent rise in demand for padel tennis within the region, officers are of the view that the proposal would offer opportunity to play a varied form of tennis all year round".
Council officers maintained that the plans would "promote and facilitate active and healthy lifestyles" and noted "it is not considered that the loss of the four traditional outdoor tennis courts should be viewed unfavourably".
A decision is expected at the planning and highways committee meeting on Monday, September 28, at City Hall. The meeting commences at 5.30pm and is open to the public.
