Campion Lawn Tennis Club has lodged plans with Sefton Council to install two new padel courts, which would bring the sport to Crosby for the first time. The application comes as Merseyside continues to embrace the fast-growing racket sport, which combines elements of tennis and squash and is typically played in doubles.
Proposed development at Campion View
The club, which has been operational since 1948 and features several existing outdoor courts, is seeking permission for a canopy, alterations to the existing car park, and associated works at Campion View. The proposed building would be a substantial single-storey structure measuring approximately 48 metres in length and 17 metres in width, positioned over two padel courts.
The club is located within an established residential area and is surrounded by residential properties that back onto the site.
Noise concerns addressed
Following concerns raised by consultees and residents, particularly regarding potential noise impacts, the applicant submitted additional information including a Technical Design Note, revised plans, and a committee statement responding to issues raised by neighbouring residents and other interested parties.
A planning document said the Sefton Playing Pitch and Outdoor Sports Strategy supports the provision of padel tennis facilities as a means of increasing participation in racket sports. It also recognises an identified need for additional padel court provision within Sefton and notes there are currently no padel courts within Crosby. The proposal is therefore considered to assist in meeting an identified local need while retaining the site's sporting and recreational function.
Parking and pedestrian safety improvements
The revised plans amended the parking layout, increasing the number of parking spaces from 25 to 28, including three disabled spaces. The parking bays adjacent to the proposed padel courts were also repositioned to create a hatched pedestrian area at the building entrance, improving pedestrian safety for users entering and leaving the facility.
The Campion proposal is the latest padel application across Merseyside. Earlier this week, it was reported that Liverpool's first ever floating padel courts will go before a licensing and gambling sub-committee for a final sign-off. In June, it was reported that £2.5m is being invested in Kirkby, which will include a 32,000 square foot retail and leisure space in the town centre, with room for six to eight padel courts, changing rooms, a café and social space, and community use areas.
The Campion proposal will be considered by Sefton Council's planning committee on September 16.
